Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke admits he owes his career to his hardline father.

His form has seen him coveted by some of the game's big hitters and boss Paul Lambert values him at no less than £25m. Not bad for a player Villa signed for £7m last summer.

To his dad he's priceless, even though the powerhouse striker's no-nonsense father often has the final word on footballing matters and will tell it like it is again after today's visit of Fulham.

Benteke told the Daily Star: "When my father has spoken to me about my responsibilities as a person, he has always said, 'Be a man and be confident in yourself'. So this is how I am.

"My father is a very hard man, I think because of his military background. He doesn't mince his words.

"He tells me that the career of a footballer isn't long so I must take full advantage of it. My mother is much softer. She speaks with her heart.

"Dad tells me the reality. If I am rubbish in a game, he lets me know. Sometimes he says that he is pleased with me but he will tell me when I am s**t!"

He added: "After the Manchester United game he told me I played well but he also said, 'I wanted you to score but you didn't'.

"But he has brought us up well. Not just my education but also for my little brother and sister."