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Villa won't take risks with Christian Benteke

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Manager Paul Lambert insists Aston Villa won't take any risks with Christian Benteke after the striker returned to training.

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The 23-year-old took part in training for the first time in five months yesterday as he nears the end of his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury.

But the manager has stressed that, for the moment, it is a case of one day at a time.

Lambert said: "I'm delighted with efforts of the medical team here for working incredibly hard with Christian to get him back to fitness so quickly. Christian trained, though it was a light session.

"Hopefully, with no effects from that, he'll train again today with the group. Obviously, we will be monitoring his fitness and we'll continue to build him up towards a return to the team."

In-form Gabby Agbonlahor, meanwhile, is hoping to follow Aston Villa team-mate Fabian Delph with a return to the England squad.

The Villa striker believes the Barclays Premier League club can match his ambitions after he signed a new four-year deal last week.

Agbonlahor has not played for the Three Lions since 2009, but has scored two goals in his side's opening four Premier League games this season.

He said: "Yes, England has always been an ambition. But I'm going to concentrate on Aston Villa and give 100 per cent for them and if England come knocking I'm available."

Agbonlahor's winner in the 1-0 victory at Liverpool on Saturday sent Villa up to second in the table.