Resurgent Aston Villa hitman Christian Benteke has thanked new manager Tim Sherwood for restoring his confidence.
Benteke has netted eight times in his last six Premier League outings as he looks to return to his talismanic best following a trying first half of the season.
The 24-year-old had netted just twice all season until Sherwood replaced axed Paul Lambert in February, and the Belgian says that his manager's 'fearless' approach has instilled belief in him once more.
"The first day he came he said we have to play without fear," Benteke told the FA's official website.
"You can see when he speaks he has a lot of charisma and confidence and it helps because we are a young squad.
"It's not only me, but it's all the squad. When he arrived he gave a lot of confidence and feeling. He has given us a lot of freedom."
Benteke scored the decisive goal as Villa beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at White Hart Lane on Saturday to help Sherwood's side move six points clear of the danger zone.
Shane Callaghan
