Retaining Darren Bent key for Aston Villa

Andreas Weimann believes it is vital fellow Aston Villa striker Darren Bent stays at the club - and is fit for the entire season.

Bent is set to return to pre-season training when Villa report back next week after an injury ruled him out of the final three months of last season and England's Euro 2012 campaign.

The former Sunderland striker was the subject of speculation over his future after Villa's dismal 2011/12 campaign.

But he has already pledged his future to Villa and Weimann, who broke into the team at the end of last season, knows how crucial Bent will be under new manager Paul Lambert.

Weimann said: "Darren is our number one striker and it's important for the club he stays fit all season, hopefully gets loads of goals and stays at Villa as well.

"Everyone knows his goal record and to have a fit and fresh Darren Bent will be brilliant going into the start of the season.

"He only needs one chance and he'll stick it away."

Bent still finished as Villa's top scorer with 10 goals last season despite his ankle problem.

Meanwhile, Villa remain hopeful of completing a deal for Feyenoord midfielder Karim El Ahmadi.

Lambert confirmed yesterday that Villa are in talks with the 27-year-old in a deal which will be worth around an initial £2.5 million plus add-ons.

PA