On a day when Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has questioned the wisdom of selling Bent to Villa, Emile Heskey has hailed the impact made by his fellow frontman since his arrival in January.
Villa splashed out a club record ?18million on Bent, and the 27-year-old England international has so far scored six goals in 11 Barclays Premier League appearances.
On that evidence, Heskey can see no reason why Bent cannot become a 20-goal hero in years to come.
"Obviously Benty is always going to get goals. He's been absolutely brilliant since he's joined us," Heskey told Villa's official club website. "I definitely feel he can be a 20-goal-a-season man for us. He's showed that finishing class over the years for every club he's played for.
"He's been playing in the top-flight for many years and he always shows his class and quality in front of goal."
Source: PA
Source: PA