Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke says he can handle the pressure of being the club's main goalscorer.

Benteke says he is happy to shoulder the burden of scoring - both in the Capital One Cup and Premier League, where Villa are in a relegation battle.

He told the Mirror: "I just try to do my job. For a young player like me I think it is important the manager tries to give you a lot of confidence.

"I have to give back and for me to give back it is about scoring and helping the team.

"The fans sing my name and show me respect - and pressure. So I have to play good.

"When I signed here in my head I knew I had to be ready for that. English football is the best league in the world with a lot of good players and pressure.

"The striker position is not easy as when you don't score the critics come. But I just try to stay at a high level."