Chris Brunt has admitted that West Bromwich Albion face a big challenge when they look to keep Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke quiet on Saturday afternoon.

Benteke has started to show signs that he is close to finding his best form in recent weeks after a long spell out due to an Achilles injury, and Brunt claims that the Belgian will be key in the Midlands derby.

"He's a big miss for anyone, a striker of that quality. He brings so many different attributes, he's good in the air, a strong guy and he can score goals. He's a good all-round striker," the Baggies captain told reporters.

"For them to lose someone like that for so long was a big blow but to have him back is going to give you and others around you a lift.

"He is someone we have to contain because he is a handful."

Brunt is a doubt for the game against Villa due to a hamstring problem.