Ollie Watkins has made no secret of his hunger for silverware, as Aston Villa gear up for a pivotal Europa League semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest. The in-form striker is determined to turn the team's impressive progress into tangible success.

Unai Emery's side travel to the City Ground for a high-stakes all-Midlands showdown, with a place in the final on the line. For Emery, it's a chance to add to his legendary European résumé—he's already won the Europa League a record four times, including three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal. A fifth triumph would cement his status as the competition's greatest tactician.

But for many in the Villa squad, this represents something even more personal: a first crack at lifting a trophy. Watkins, who has yet to win silverware at club or international level, admitted he feels a pang of envy when he looks around the dressing room at teammates who have already tasted that glory.

"I think the fact we've done so well, we've always hit a new milestone each year," Watkins reflected. "But this, I think, would definitely be the best season if we could do that and cement Champions League. That feeling when we got Champions League football a few years ago was unbelievable, but to lift a trophy, personally, I've never done it."

The 28-year-old forward, who has been a driving force behind Villa's rise, opened up about his burning desire to change that narrative. "I know there's a few of the boys who have won different trophies in the changing room, and I'm very envious of them because when you look back, you want to win something. That's something I've strived to do, and I've always fallen short, whether it be with the club or with England. It's something I'm striving to do."

With Villa's upward trajectory under Emery, this semi-final feels like a defining moment. A win would not only edge them closer to European glory but also give Watkins and his teammates the chance to etch their names into the club's history books. For fans watching in the stands or from home, it's the kind of high-stakes drama that makes football unforgettable—and the perfect reason to sport your Villa gear with pride.