'Special feeling' ahead of Villa semi - Aina

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Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina says Vitor Pereira's side are "relishing" the prospect of an all-Premier League Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa.

Forest make the short trip from East to West Midlands for Thursday's first leg unbeaten in six in the Premier League and after taking a huge step towards survival with a big win at Sunderland on Friday.

"We're working hard every week. We're looking forward to a semi-final now," Aina told the media in Forest's pre-match news conference.

"The boss has done a great job but everyone has put in hard work. We're reaping the benefits of that.

"I don't really think there's that much pressure on us. We're all very proud to be in this semi-final.

"It's definitely a special feeling. It's a massive night for the club and the players. Everyone is relishing it.

"We're just focused on what we do. It doesn't matter about other results [in the Premier League]. We have our objectives."

Aina was out from the beginning of September to the end of December with a hamstring injury, only returning for the final two games of the league phase of the Europa League.

He missed 16 Premier League games but has started all 15 matches since returning to the fold.

"When I came back I found my feet game after game. I'm back now and looking forward to tomorrow," he added.

"I was buzzing that the team got through the league phase so I could be part of it and add my contribution."

Aina answered questions alongside his manager Pereira, who joked that the right-back did not need to say nice things about him and would start on Thursday regardless.