Ekuban, a summer signing from Italian outfit Chievo Verona, is yet to get on the scoresheet in the Championship but did miss three months due to a foot injury. 

The 23-year-old made his first start since August in last Saturday’s 2-0 win at Barnsley.

He is expected to lead the line against Aston Villa tonight (7.45pm) because Pierre-Michel Lasogga (leg) remains sidelined.  

And when asked what Ekuban has done to impress him, Christiansen said: ”Well, I believe it's a player who is hungry to come out, to do a good performance.

“He works for the team, put himself in front of the team to make a good pressure, to force the opponent to do mistakes and to don't think with the ball and after he has good combination with his teammates.

“The only thing we need is that he makes some goals but that will come also with the time.”

Christiansen was impressed by Ekuban’s display against Barnsley and believes there is plenty more to come. 

"Well he has a lot to improve, everyone should improve because we have a still young team,” he said. 

"I was happy with his performance, he didn't score, he made a good work for the team, he created some good situations for his team-mates and that was important for me.

"A good part of the win also came through his work and the rest of the players."

Leeds will also be without winger Stuart Dallas (ankle) against Villa while midfielder Eunan O’Kane (hip) is a doubt.