Watkins wants trophy success as Villa face Forest in Europa League showdown

Watkins wants trophy success as Villa face Forest in Europa League showdown

Ollie Watkins has said he wants to finally get his hands on silverware this season as Aston Villa prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-finals.

Unai Emery’s team make the short trip to the City Ground as the Midlands rivals go head-to-head in European competition.

Emery is aiming to win the Europa League for a record-extending fifth time as a coach, after three successes with Sevilla and a fourth in charge of Villarreal.

For much of the Villa squad, it’s an opportunity to win silverware for the first time. Watkins is among the group to have never won a trophy, and admits he is ‘envious’ of those alongside him with winner’s medals.

Discussing Villa’s progress in recent seasons and tonight’s semi-final, Watkins told the media: “I think the fact we’ve done so well, we’ve always hit a new milestone each year.

“But this, I think, would definitely be the best season if we could do that and cement Champions League.

“That feeling when we got Champions League football a few years ago was unbelievable, but to lift a trophy, personally, I’ve never done it.

“I know there’s a few of the boys who have won different trophies in the changing room and I’m very envious of them because when you look back, you want to win something.

“That’s something I’ve strived to do and I’ve always fell short, whether it be with the club or with England, and it’s something I’m striving to do.”

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