Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke wants to become the next Belgium international to hit the big time in the Premier League.
Benteke, who joined the Midlanders from Genk for £7.5 million in the summer, made an instant impression on the Holte End when he scored on his debut to seal a 2-0 victory over Swansea at the weekend.
His 20-minute cameo appearance as a substitute was a clear demonstration of why Villa manager Paul Lambert worked so hard to lure him to the club.
Benteke knows he is playing catch-up in his bid to gain the same kind of profile as Belgium team-mates Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Marouane Fellaini, but feels it is only a matter of time until he does.
"That was just the start for me. I am very happy. It was my first game with my new club and I scored," he said.
"I had a good feeling when I scored and after the game when we won. The fans gave me a lot of respect when I came on to the field.
"I had to do my job on the field and do my best. Now I have to keep on going and continue to work. We took three points at home. They were important points. Everyone is happy."
Lambert believes Benteke's involvement in the Belgium national team will help the striker, nicknamed the "Beast of Belgium", to improve at a rapid rate.
"He is only 21. That is the thing. You look at the company he is holding in the national team and it has to help him," Lambert said.
"Belgium are really coming to the fore with the players they have got, and Christian is doing exceptionally well. I thought when he came on he was unplayable."
