Aston Villa striker Bent endorses moves for Defoe and Kenwyne Jones

Posted Wednesday, August 22, 2012 by Goal.com

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent says he is ready for increased competition up front after reports have linked the club with moves for Jermain Defoe and Kenwyne Jones.

Both Defoe and Jones have been linked with moves away from Tottenham and Stoke, and Villa boss Paul Lambert recently revealed his admiration for the pair.

Bent has previously played alongside both strikers earlier in his career, and is aware of their abilities. But while the 28-year-old is happy with his current strike partners, he has admitted the possible arrivals would improve the club.

"Competition is always good," Bent told Sky Sports. "We've still got some fantastic strikers at the club. Gabby [Agbonlahor] is injured, [Andreas] Weimann came in and did really well, Nathan Delfouneso looks like he's ready to peak and it's his time.

"If the manager decides he wants to bring someone else in as well, it's only going to help Aston Villa Football Club.

"Defoe is a top international striker. He's a great finisher, he can score goals and make goals for himself. He'd be a fantastic addition.

"I've played with Kenwyne Jones before and he's a fantastic striker on his day. He's up there with the best of them.

"If we can get any of them two as well, it's going to be a welcome addition to the football club. I've played with both as well, that always helps. So I'm sure the manager has got someone in mind."

The former Sunderland striker has admitted that he struggled to watch England in action during Euro 2012 after missing out through injury, but is hoping to force his way back into the reckoning by playing well for his club.

"It was hard to watch but I was supporting everyone again," he added. "I wanted them to do well in the tournament and it's unfortunate they went out on penalties again but I was watching as a fan and hoping we were going to win.

"All I can do now is concentrate on my club form. That's all I can do really. If I score goals for Villa and we play well and win games it's only going to help me get back into that England squad."