Former Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen is backing Darren Bent to have a big next season.

Bent will take his European Championship hurt out on Barclays Premier League defenders next season, says the Dane.

"I think having the break from playing will help Darren come back stronger next season," Laursen told Villa's website.

"He will be fresh for Villa.

"It's always difficult to start up again after a major summer tournament. You don't have a lot of time to recover and rest.

"I have experienced it a few times after a European Championship or World Cup. You don't rest really. You get a maximum of three, perhaps four weeks, and it's always very hard the season after."