Premier League: Paul Lambert asks Aston Villa fans to be patient with Christian Benteke

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert says it will take time for key striker Christian Benteke to hit top form.

Benteke was sidelined for seven months by a ruptured Achilles but returned to the starting XI for last week’s 3-0 loss at Everton.

His return is timely as Villa are now without a goal in their last four matches but, ahead of Monday’s big game at bottom club QPR, Lambert says it would be unfair to expect Benteke to be at his best right away.

It might take him half a dozen games to get up to speed, to really find his find his feet.

"The reality tells you that won't happen," said the manager.

"Because he's just coming back, there'll be times when you think 'Yes, he is back to his old self' and others when he'll look like someone who's not played for a length of time.

"But, when you put Benteke on your team sheet it makes people think: 'It doesn't matter how long he's been out, he's still a threat'.

"There are times when you think that, when he's fully back, we've got a really good player there.

"It might take him half a dozen games to get up to speed, to really find his find his feet."

Live Ford Monday Night Football

Villa are the lowest scorers in the top flight with just four goals but Lambert says he is not too concerned and will not necessarily be looking to buy a striker when the transfer window re-opens.

"There's no doubt, I've got no issues with that on the goalscoring front," he said. "I think we've got enough when it comes to January.

"Even at Everton we had (Kieran) Richardson, (Tom) Cleverley, (Charles) N'Zogbia, Benteke and (Gabriel) Agbonlahor - five guys that have goals in them.

"But that wasn't the problem. The problem was we did not start the game well and got what we deserved.

"Christian, you can excuse a little, as he hasn't played for six or seven months.”