A VILLA v LEICESTER

Watkins loves lead role in Aston VIlla’s revival

smashing 26 goals — is undaunted at the challenge of firing Villa up the table.

Ahead of Leicester’s visit to Villa today, Watkins insisted he is relishing the opportunity to be Emery’s main man in attack.

“I have had that responsibility (before),” said Watkins. “When I was at Brentford, I was the only striker really for the whole season. Here, in my first season, too, we had Keinan Davis, who would come on a few times, but I was the main striker. I’m willing to take that responsibility and looking forward to it. “It is all about confidence and also remaining calm to believe when you get the opportunities, you are going to put them away. I am confident in my ability and in the way the team are playing, and the chances we are creating. So, I think I can score a lot more goals in this back end of the season.”

Watkins notched 14 topflight goals in his debut season and 11 last term, but he struggled earlier this season under Gerrard, netting just once and missing out on the England squad for the World Cup. However, since Emery took charge in late October, the confidence is flooding back thanks to some words of wisdom from his new boss.

“I feel like Steven Gerrard wanted me to do well and picked me regularly in the team. He had a lot of belief in me, but the start of this season was a little bit different. I have definitely learnt under this manager to stay in my position, believe the opportunities will come and be ready to take those opportunities.

Drifting

“Before I wanted to always try to get involved and touch the ball; whereas now, I am probably content if I am drifting out of the game for 10-15 minutes because I know if I stay in my position up top, I will get an opportunity. I am holding my position more and waiting for my teammates to find me, rather than be impatient.”

And he is hopeful he can break back into the England squad to add to his two international goals and seven caps.

He said: “It was a shame I couldn’t be at the World Cup, but you use it as fuel to get back into the squad in the future.”