West Ham ace relishing Benteke battle and says Aston Villa deserve respect

Sunday, February 10, 2013
11:06 AM

West Ham defender Winston Reid is wary of the threat that Aston Villa can pose his side, despite their lowly position.

The Midlands club are in the relegation zone after a poor run of form and threw away a 3-1 lead at Everton last weekend in the closing stages.

Despite their weaknesses, especially at set-pieces, Reid is taking nothing for granted.

“They are still a good side and we have to give them a lot of respect,” Reid told the club’s official site.

“We’ll go there with a gameplan and hopefully bring some points home.”

Christian Benteke is Villa’s dangerman and the 22-year-old has scored 14 goals in all competitions this campaign.

“I think he is a good striker and he has scored quite a few goals already in his first year in England,” Reid admitted.

“We have to give him respect but we relish the opportunity as defenders to make sure they don’t score.”