Watkins ‘will be over the moon’ after ‘world-class’ Aston Villa claim – Whelan
Ollie Watkins could fire Aston Villa up the Premier League table after regaining his “confidence and self-belief” with a goal against Brighton, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed new Claret and Blues boss Steven Gerrard will be “delighted” to see the England international return to the scoresheet.
Watkins, 25, scored his third goal of the season on Saturday as Aston Villa left it late to see off Brighton in a 2-0 win at Villa Park.
The victory was Gerrard’s first as manager of the club, and the Claret and Blues’ first since the end of September.
As quoted by the Express and Star, Gerrard said Watkins’ strike was “world-class” – and hinted at an England recall if he can produce a run of form.
Whelan insisted the striker will be “over the moon” after impressing his new manager.
“He’s got real quality,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“And we all know what goals can do for confidence, and that applies even more so for strikers. Goals will give you plenty of belief.
“That goal came from a player who believed in himself, and that is a great sign. I think he lost that self-belief and confidence for a while and went through a barren spell.
“Gerrard will be delighted to see his striker on the scoresheet in his first match, and Watkins will be over the moon to impress his new manager.
“That goal can give Watkins that platform to put a run of form together in this new system. That can fire Aston Villa up the league.”
Aston Villa currently sit 15th in the Premier League table.
In other news, Gerrard sanctions Villa clear-out, starting with £17million winger.