Christian Benteke's stunning debut goal can enable him to hit the ground running for Liverpool, believes Kolo Toure.

The Belgium striker marked his first appearance for the Reds with a magnificent edge-of-the-box volley in the early stages of the second half of Sunday's 2-1 pre-season victory at Swindon Town.

Toure feels the confidence Benteke will gain from the strike will set him up nicely for the start of the new Premier League season.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was a fantastic goal and he had a good game. It was his first game for quite a while and it was really important for him to score the goal.

"To score on your debut - and what a goal it was - can give him the confidence to go on and have a great season."

Toure added: "It is always difficult to play against a player like him - he is really strong, he can hold the ball up, set the ball up for other players and can score goals, which is really important.

"I'm happier to have him on my side, definitely!"

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After Benteke had opened the scoring in Liverpool's final pre-season friendly, Swindon drew level through a well-taken effort from Jonathan Obika.

However, substitute Sheyi Ojo had the final say, netting the winner with three minutes remaining at the County Ground.

"We had a couple of chances which we could have scored," reflected Toure. "We played against a good side who made us work hard.

"But we're happy we were able to win the game because that's the most important thing."

With the pre-season programme now done and dusted, Liverpool's attentions at Melwood this week will be firmly fixed on Sunday's campaign-opener at Stoke City.

Toure said: "We're looking forward to it. It's a very important game to start with at Stoke City. We are well prepared.

"This week will be a crucial week because it's really important to start the season well."