WAT A GOAL
Ollie’s target was England... now it’s the Euros
OLLIE WATKINS’ late charge towards the European Championship could come under pressure – from within Villa Park.
The £33million striker returns to his club as an England hero having scored on his debut after coming on as a substitute against San Marino.
But along with fighting for recognition in Gareth Southgate’s eyes, the forward now has to beat off competition from fit-again forward Wesley to start for Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side.
Big Brazilian Wesley is on the cusp of returning to the ranks following a horrendous 15-month lay-off for a knee ligament injury. And Villa boss
Smith said: “Obviously, we were all delighted for Ollie – but Wesley played in a behind-closed-doors game against West Brom during the break and he’s in a better place than we expected.
“He was only going to play for half an hour – he ended up playing 45 minutes. I’d like to have got more minutes into him but that’s not been possible because of Covid.
“I wasn’t too hopeful he was going to be back before the end of the season at all.
“But having seen him in that practice game, I’m more hopeful than I was. He’s certainly going to provide Ollie with competition, that’s for sure.
“Before his injury, he was starting to look the part. He scored a good goal in the game at Burnley where he got the injury.
“He found the net against Norwich, Everton – we know he can score goals – and he’s certainly good enough to play at this level.”
Smith did also suggest, however, that he might play the pair of them up front together.
He added: “It doesn’t have to be a case of one or the other – I have got that option – but I’m not afraid of changing systems.
“When I signed Wesley, he was playing up front for Bruges and he was up there – mainly – playing alongside a guy called Krepin Diatta, who went on to sign for Monaco.
“So I know he can partner players up front.
“Wes can play as a No.10 – he can be a different type of player.
“He’s got the body strength to hold the ball up for us, and his technique holds up.”
Smith welcomes Jack Grealish back into the fold this afternoon.
Fulham won at Anfield on their last trip and Villa’s boss accepts they are a different Cottagers side to the one his side defeated 3-0 earlier this season.
Smith added: “They’re one of the form teams down there. We will have to be on it.”