Aston Villa boss Remy Garde has praised the work ethic of Ghana striker Jordan Ayew and singled him out as an example to the rest of the squad.

Garde has taken charge of the Premier League's bottom club at a time when they are struggling for points but reckons the attitude of his Ghana front man who has scored three goals for them so far could prove crucial in galvanizing the whole Villa squad.

“I'm very happy with Jordan's performance. He's very committed to the team. He's a wonderful player who runs on the pitch with high intensity - he sprints," he told the club's in-house TV station.

“I'm very happy because it's not easy to play in his position because he has to run a lot everywhere - defensively, offensively and for me he's shown the right way to the other players as well."

Garde has been particularly impressed by the way Jordan has utilised the little opportunities that he has had.

“He's not the only one, of course, but I'd like to underline his displays.He's scoring. He's not had many opportunities but he's got very good skill in the opposition box.

“We have to carry on. He has to show everybody that he can be a very good player.”

The 23-year old Ayew joined Aston Villa from French side Lorient at the start of the season season.