Liverpool should sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke says John Aldridge

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke would be an ideal signing for Liverpool, according to former striker John Aldridge, who is calling for the recall of Martin Skrtel to quell the threat of the Belgium international in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Benteke has netted eight goals in his last six appearances, a run that included a hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers and the winner in the trip to Tottenham Hotspur, a run of form that could see him derail the Reds' dreams of a Wembley final.

Liverpool have suffered problems in front of goal this season with Daniel Sturridge having missed long periods of the season, while 2014 summer signings Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have failed to recapture their best form.

And Aldridge says Benteke would be a fine addition to the Liverpool artillery but ahead of the last four clash, he feels manager Brendan Rodgers should match up the forward with Skrtel, who is eligible again after serving his three-match ban for violent conduct.

"With Christian Benteke coming in to form for Villa, I would want as much protection as possible for Sunday's game," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I don't want to see a back four.

"Benteke is the danger. On his day, he's a tremendous forward, a 20-goal a season man. I'd be happy if Liverpool got him in the summer, and they'll need to be at their best to keep him quiet at Wembley.

"That means Skrtel, Can and probably Lovren at the back, and I'd also wonder whether Steven Gerrard might come straight back in to the side as well.

"I know some people will disagree on that, and I agree that it would be harsh to leave out either Lucas or Joe Allen for him, but I think there's a way to fit him back into the team, especially if Daniel Sturridge is unable to start the game because of injury.

"Steven's a big-game player, and I'm sure he will be desperate to make amends for his last appearance in a red shirt. We all know what is riding on Sunday's game and you want players like Stevie out there, fighting for you."