31 January 2024 , 22:30
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John McGinn says Ollie Watkins is on track to join the Premier League ’s 100-goal club
The Aston Villa midfielder saluted his colleague’s landmark after he reached his half century by netting a consolation goal in the 3-1 home defeat by Newcastle United.
Villa skipper McGinn believes that the forward, who became the first player from the club to net more than ten top-flight goals in four consecutive seasons, could played at the top ‘for another six or seven seasons.’ Watkins is now behind Dwight Yorke (60) and Gabby Agbonlahor (74) in the goalscoring stakes during the Premier League era. He does have a way to go to beat the 244 scored by club record holder Billy Walker.
However, McGinn believes that he will crack the century in the next few years. With Watkins having signed a new five-year deal two months ago, if he can maintain his fitness levels, his team-mate’s words carry weight. Villa’s captain said: “I’m delighted for him.
“He’s obviously a striker and he does so much for the team but like any of them, he’s got eyes on the goals. It’s an amazing achievement - one I’ll never hit - hopefully, he can get to 100 very soon. I’m chuffed for him.
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Watkins scored Villa's consolation in their 3-1 defeat to Newcastle (AFP via Getty Images)“The way he works and his attitude, I think he’ll be playing at the top level for the next six or seven years at least. I’m sure he’ll get there and hopefully I’ll still be able to watch him do it.”
McGinn said boss Unai Emery was not too downbeat after Villa’s proud record of not having been beaten at Villa Park was ended by the Magpies. He said: "The manager touched on how proud he was of us. Obviously, we didn’t want it to end.
“But two set-piece goals hurt us - we pride ourselves upon being good in those situations - and the third was a mistake. We finished the game strongly. It was a pretty even game - and that’s what will hurt the most. When you concede the first goal in games, it’s very difficult to come back and get you. It was probably the decision-making in the final third which we’ll need to look at, as well.”
Villa face Sheffield United - the team who brought their 15-game winning streak to an end three days before Christmas at Bramall Lane on Saturday. McGinn added: “It’s not been a great place for us - and we’ll need to be at the races.
“They’re always tough to beat. They have players who can hurt you and showed that at Villa Park. But we need to get back to winning ways.”