Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has urged Christian Benteke to repeat his outstanding debut season in the next Premier League campaign.

The Belgium international ended speculation about his future by withdrawing his transfer request and signing a new four-year deal at Villa Park.

Lambert told reporters: "The big thing for Christian is to go and do it again. He's been terrific for us since he's been here.

"The news that he had signed a new contract gave everybody a lift. The fans love him. He's our player and hopefully he has the same season as he had last year.

"He's been excellent for us and the main thing is for him to concentrate on Aston Villa and doing well which I know 100 per cent he'll do."

Benteke scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season after moving from Genk last summer.