Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has revealed his delight with Christian Benteke's improvement since joining the club.

Lambert refused to take the credit for his striker's performances, however, and said that it was entirely up to Benteke that he has netted 19 times in his debut season for the Villans.

"The game's never about myself it's about the lads and the ones that come and do it," Lambert told the Birmingham Mail. "I get great satisfaction of seeing lads perform, doing great for themselves and making massive careers for themselves. Once we've got them in the door the rest is up to them. They're the ones that go and do it week in week out.

"Whatever happens to Christian or wherever his career goes – and it's the same with any player – you just hope that when I'm about 65 and I want a ticket for a game, that they don't forget. That's the only thing I'll ask him – just get me a ticket to a game.

"I don't mind because it's not about me, it's about him and the team. I don't worry about the fact that we saw him and gave him an opportunity."

Villa are currently three points clear of the relegation zone in 17th.