Christian Benteke marks Liverpool debut with spectacular strike

London: Christian Benteke struck a superb volley on his debut as Liverpool battled past English third-tier side Swindon Town 2-1 in a friendly at the County Ground on Sunday.

The Belgian international moved to Anfield last month from Premier League rivals Aston Villa after the Reds agreed to pay his £32.5m (46.2 million euros; $50.7 million dollars) release clause.

Benteke gave Liverpool fans cause for optimism ahead of the new season after scoring a wonderful opening goal against the Wiltshire side.

Swindon -- who missed out on promotion to the Championship last season after a 4-0 defeat to Preston North End in the League One play-off final -- matched a strong Liverpool side in an evenly contested first half, before Liverpool went in front three minutes after the break.

After neat build-up play, the ball popped up to Benteke, who controlled on his chest before rifling an unstoppable volley past Swindon `keeper Lawrence Vigouroux.

Swindon responded and stunned Liverpool just after the hour mark.

Former Tottenham striker John Obika picked up a pass on the right hand side of the penalty area before cutting inside and finishing past visiting `keeper Adam Bogdan.

The League One side looked as if they would hold on for a draw but Liverpool, who`d just returned from a pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia, struck three minutes from time through 18-year-old winger Sheyi Ojo after he was played in by Kolo Toure.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers also handed a debut to Brazilian international forward Roberto Firmino, and will be pleased to end pre-season on a high ahead of their Premier League opener at Stoke City next Sunday.