Barry Bannan has hailed the impact of new Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

Bannan says Benteke is the ultimate targetman, ready and willing to finish classy crosses and able to ease the pressure by holding the ball up in the final third.

Villa's silky-smooth midfielder is also thoroughly impressed by the sheer size and presence of Benteke, admitting: "I'll have some of what he's eating."

He told Villa's web site: "He's an absolute dream to play with - and I'm saying that after a few games of him being on the pitch!

"He's big, strong and he's a brilliant forward at holding the ball up.

"If you pass it to him I just know he's going to hold it. It gives you confidence to go forward.

"I know if I pass to Christian that I can go forward because I'm certain he's going to bring me back into the game.

"When he came on against Swansea, it was a breath of fresh air."