‘Ollie can make leap like Vardy’
OLLIE WATKINS will not be a flash in the pan, claims Aston Villa and Scotland legend Andy Gray.
Watkins, 24, was snapped up from Brentford for £28million in September – and has already scored six Premier League goals – including a hat-trick in October’s 7–2 home win over Liverpool.
Gray, who made more than 200 appearances for Villa, believes there is more to come from the Devon-born ace.
“Watkins still has a lot to prove at this level, but I like what I see,” Gray said.
“He’s got great movement, he has pace and will keep defenders worried. We’ve also seen that he does have an eye for a goal.
“He seems to have settled well and I think that previously working with Dean Smith at Brentford has helped a lot.
“Being familiar with a coach – and knowing he has confidence in you – helps players enormously.
“I’m hoping there’s more to come, but it’s hard for a striker to come from the lower leagues and deliver.
“Of course, there’s
Jamie Vardy at Leicester, but others have made the jump and flattered to deceive before dropping down a level again.
“But I don’t think Watkins will be like that – he’s still young, ambitious and ready to learn.
“What’s important is Villa’s recruitment has now got much better after they made changes in that department.
“The team is benefiting, with the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Ross Barkley and Watkins coming in.
“Then you’ve got players like Douglas Luiz, Jack Grealish and John McGinn, who look to be really enjoying their football.
“Villa fans can be positive this year and they should be looking at a top-eight finish, I think that’s a realistic target.
“I don’t think relegation will be a worry – they’ll end up way above that.”