Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has paid tribute to striker Christian Benteke's start to his Premier League career.

The Belgium international scored the winning goal as Villa beat Reading 1-0 at Villa Park on Tuesday night to move out of the bottom three.

The 21-year-old joined the Villans from Genk for £7m in the summer, and Lambert has been very impressed by his start to the season.

"Benteke has been colossal for us, he's been unplayable in certain games," said Lambert.

"He's excellent, the big guy, and he's only 21 years, that's what people have to remember.

"The guy deserves to be in the side, he's been absolutely terrific for the club."

Benteke has scored five goals for Villa in all competitions so far this year.