Shropshire Star

Dean Saunders backing Ollie Watkins to return to England fold

Former Villa striker Dean Saunders has backed current marksman Ollie Watkins to force his way back into the England team next season.

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Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (left) celebrates scoring the opening goal with John McGinn

Watkins scored 15 goals in the Premier League last season and Saunders believes the 27-year-old can keep that form going under Unai Emery next season.

Speaking at a community football match hosted at Villa Park, Saunders said: “I’d have to give my Villa player of the season to Ollie Watkins. The hardest thing to do is put the ball in the net and he’s done it when the club has needed him to.”

“Ollie Watkins has been on a great run and he’s benefitting from the Villa manager telling the rest of the team that when they get the ball their first thought should be to get him in on goal.”