Express and Star: Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert was evasive on his decision to freeze out record signing Darren Bent after the striker was once again axed from the match-day squad. A late header from Christian Benteke, who has replaced Bent as Villa's first-choice striker under Lambert, helped the claret and blues to an overdue 1-0 win over Reading last night in the Premier League.

Express and Star: Christian Benteke proved to be the ace in Paul Lambert's pack after the Villa manager's gamble to snub Darren Bent almost backfired. The Belgium striker came up trumps with 10 minutes left on the clock against Reading with the winner in a match which had looked destined to end in frustration after Villa's profligacy in front of goal.

Sky Sports: Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has revealed Julio Cesar is a major doubt for the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday. The Brazilian goalkeeper was forced off at half-time during the 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Tuesday, and Rob Green may again be asked to deputise for Redknapp's first home game in charge of the R's.

Sporting Life: Paul Lambert has hailed Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke as "a special type of player" after his goal against Reading lifted the midlands club out of the Barclays Premier League bottom three. Benteke continues to justify Lambert's decision to prefer the Belgian international to fit again record signing Darren Bent after netting the only goal on Tuesday night at Villa Park.

Goal.com: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says that he "lives and dies" by his squad selection after leaving record signing Darren Bent out of the squad for the 1-0 win over Reading. Bent's replacement Christian Benteke struck the all-important goal at Villa Park that pulled the Villans out of the bottom three but Lambert remains firm despite the £18 million striker being left out in place of youngster Jordan Bowery.

*The extracts on this page are taken from various newspapers and media outlets. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aston Villa.