Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood has insisted that misfiring striker Christian Benteke is still contributing to the team despite suffering from a barren run in front of goal.

The Belgian, who scored 19 Premier League goals in his debut season in England last year, has gone 11 top-flight games without finding the net.

The latest of those matches was Villa's 1-0 victory over Sunderland, and although Benteke did not find the net, his teammate Westwood thought that his effectiveness as a target man and his link-up play were signs of the 23-year-old forward rediscovering his best form.

"It was great seeing him when you look up there and you've got someone to pass to," he told reporters.

"I thought he was back to his old self - throwing people out the way, holding the ball up, bringing other people into play. His goal will come and then he will be back to his best."

Benteke has scored five goals in all competitions for Villa this term.