'Unplayable' Benteke lifts Paul Lambert's prospects

Aston Villa 2 Swansea City 0

The Aston Villa manager, Paul Lambert, is backing his £7m summer signing, Christian Benteke, to have a "big, big career" after a goal-scoring debut in the 2-0 win over Swansea.

The Belgium striker, who joined Villa from Genk on transfer deadline day, was introduced as a late substitute and quickly made his mark. He unsettled the Swansea defence before pouncing on a mistake by Ashley Williams to add a second after the stunning opener from another newcomer, right-back Matthew Lowton.

It ensured a first Premier League win for Lambert since replacing Alex McLeish as Villa built on their promising performance in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle. Lambert said: "Benteke is in a very good national side, with a lot of talented players, and he is holding his own in that team. He is only 21 and, if he keeps progressing, he will have a big, big career, that's for sure.

"I thought he was unplayable that last 20 minutes or so he came on, he deserved his goal, and could have had another one."

Of equal satisfaction to Lambert, was the performance of Lowton who was plucked from Sheffield United. Lambert said: "You've got to give the lad a lot of credit. He hasn't looked out of place one little bit. For someone who came from League One, he is doing not too bad."

Match facts

Booked: AV Clark, Lowton, Lich-aj. Sw Michu.

Man of the match Guzan.

Ref L Mason (Lancs).

Att 34,005.