WATKINS IS A MAN FOR ALL PRE-SEASONS

ASTON VILLA striker Ollie Watkins is ready to enter the new campaign “all guns blazing" after reaping the rewards of a full preseason.

- BY BRENDAN McLOUGHLIN

Watkins’ goal in Sunday's 2-0 win over boss Unai Emery’s former club Villarreal means he has scored in all five of the preseason games he has featured in.

It has been an altogether different buildup in comparison with 12 months ago, when his preparations were disrupted by an injury following his England exploits at Euro 2024.

And the striker (above) is now intent on hitting the ground running this season. “Preseason is crucial,” said Watkins, whose Villa future has been the subject of speculation this summer amid interest from Premier League rivals.