Bent would welcome strike duo

Published Aug. 21, 2012 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Bent claims he would relish the competition should manager Paul Lambert reinforce his striking options.

The Midlanders have been linked with both Tottenham frontman Defoe and Stoke striker Jones after Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor picked up a knee injury in pre-season.

Bent believes Lambert still has decent options at his disposal in Nathan Delfouneso and Andreas Weimann, but feels any new additions would only benefit the club.

The striker, who has played alongside Jones at Sunderland and Defoe in the England set-up and at Spurs, told Sky Sports: "Competition is always good.

"We've still got some fantastic strikers at the club. Gabby is injured, Weimann came in did and 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."

The striker added: "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 Kenywyne 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."

Bent is keen to impress with Villa this season in hope of winning back his place in the England squad after he failed to recover in time from an ankle ligament injury to be chosen by new head coach Roy Hodgson for Euro 2012.

He said: "It was hard to watch but I was supporting everyone again. 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."