Steven Gerrard backs Danny Ings as Aston Villa strike partner for Ollie Watkins after Norwich win
Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has backed striker Danny Ings as strike partner for Ollie Watkins after both players scored in the win over Norwich.
The 2-0 win at Villa Park (30 April) relegated the Canaries and former boss Dean Smith, but was only the second time that both forwards had found the net in the same game this season.
The last time they did so was the 4-0 win over Southampton (5 March), and while Gerrard has largely kept Watkins as an ever present, Ings has often been replaced in the second half or had the likes of Leon Bailey chosen ahead of him.
But after the Villans’ first win in six the former Rangers boss affirmed his belief in the summer signing, telling BBC Sport: “Listen, I think they can play together… Danny knows what I think of him. He’s a top Premier League player.
“I think our best performances have been when Ollie and Danny have been on the pitch together, and from now until the end of the season I’m sure you’ll see them on the pitch more times.
“I’m in a lucky position because for me I’ve got two top number nines.”
Preference
He may have two top number nines but his decisions this season clearly show which one he views more highly.
After a £25million move from Southampton a return of six goals is not dreadful for Ings, but the 29-year-old has only completed 90 minutes twice in the Premier League under the ex-England captain.
Having been signed by the former manager and played the duration in five of the opening eight league fixtures, he could be forgiven for feeling Gerrard had doubts over him.
His frustrating time at Liverpool began just as his now-manager left Anfield but the Reds legend returned in a youth coaching capacity during that time.
While Watkins hasn’t blown his fellow forward out of the water with his goal return, scoring nine this year, he is obviously seen as the senior partner, having played the full 90 on 17 Premier League occasions since Gerrard replaced Smith.
Ings will have to hope that the manager’s widely reported interest in former teammate Luis Suarez doesn’t indicate he is set to be knocked down the pecking order, otherwise his stay in Birmingham may not be a long one.
But for now he has the public backing of his manager.
In other Aston Villa news, Joe Gomez will have to push for a move if he is to become another former Liverpool player at Villa Park.