Premier League: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert backs Christian Benteke to stay cool against West Brom

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert insists there is no problem with Christian Benteke's temperament and he expects the striker to handle any intimidation that comes his way in Saturday's derby with West Brom.

Albion captain Chris Brunt has been quoted as saying the best way of handling Villa's frontman is to "kick him" when they come up against their local rivals this week.

But Lambert thinks Brunt's comments were only "tongue-in-cheek", and he is backing the Belgian to stay cool and calm.

"Listen, I don't think about that," said the Villa boss.

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"As long as Christian keeps playing the way he has been for me, we'll concentrate on our own team and our own lads.

"I'm pretty sure if he (Brunt) has said that, it was tongue-in-cheek.

"I know exactly where he's coming from, so there's no problem with that. Christian is playing really well at the moment."

Benteke has only recently returned from a three-game ban for raising his hand to Tottenham's Ryan Mason after being given some rough treatment during the Londoners' 2-1 win at Villa Park.

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Lambert does not believe too much should be read into that flashpoint, however, and has backed the Belgium international to stay cool in future.

"Listen, it happened once (recently) when he was sent off at Tottenham," said the Scot.

"But there's never really been a problem with Christian's temperament at all. It's the only time I've really seen him retaliate, which he knows he shouldn't have done.

"I don't think he'll do it again. Christian is cool and calm enough to handle that."