Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has backed Christian Benteke to be a force for the Eagles next term.

Benteke has only scored three Premier League goals this season, and it has been suggested that the Belgium international could leave Selhurst Park in this summer's transfer window.

The 27-year-old recently revealed that he wanted to stay with Palace, however, and now Hodgson has backed the misfiring forward to impress during the 2018-19 campaign.

"He signed a long-term deal and I see no reason why he or the club are anxious to break that. It has not been a great season, and he will tell you that, but I think he is a lot better than what we have seen this season," Benteke told reporters.

"I accept it is what it is this season, and that has been and gone, but he has a contract with us and I would expect him to go out and prove next season that this season was not a true reflection of him."

Benteke scored a penalty in Palace's 5-0 win over Leicester City last weekend.