(http://www.theinfostride.com/cdn/img/astonvillavqprchristianbenteke22916187.jpg)
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert says Christian Benteke is "fabulous" after his 17-minute hat-trick pushed his side closer to Premier League survival.
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Benteke, 22, took his season's tally to 22 goals with his second-half treble in the 6-1 thrashing of Sunderland.
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Villa are now five points clear of Wigan - who are in the bottom three with a game in hand - and above Newcastle on goal difference.
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"He's been fabulous. He has a big, big career in front of him," said Lambert.
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"For a lad of 22 he has played a lot of high-pressure games for club and country.
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"The crowd here love him and I can't speak highly enough of him. As long as he keeps his feet on the ground he can have a big career.
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"When you look at his header for his second goal he jumped the height of the crossbar. He has just been excellent."
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Benteke, who was born in Congo but plays for Belgium, was signed from Genk for £7m in August 2012.
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Lambert was delighted with how his young side responded to the pressure of a game Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio described as a "Champions League final".
The goals he scored were very fantastic. They came at the right time for Aston Villa. Congratz to them big time.