Rogers ready for extra Villa responsibility

Morgan Rogers is ready to shoulder the extra responsibility amid Aston Villa's injury crisis.

The England international has welcomed the pressure after Ollie Watkins became the latest injury worry for Villa.

Rogers replaced him after Watkins came off against Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday and started Villa's comeback as they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the Europa League.

Boss Unai Emery is hopeful Watkins' hamstring problem is not serious after Boubcar Kamara was ruled out for the season with John McGinn and Youri Tielemans also sidelined for months - leaving Rogers in the spotlight.

He told BBC Sport: "People are probably looking at me a bit more and I have to deliver, I have to show.

"Growing up, getting older and playing the kind of games I am playing, I need to take that step up myself and be a leader in the group.

"I know I am still young and learning off the more experienced players but I can still be a leader on the pitch and show the way, show the young players and other players that I am here to fight, to give my all to win these games when these players are out.

"There is a bit of responsibility but it is what I enjoy, why I play football.

"Growing up I always wanted to be the best, I always wanted to shine and show the way. It is no different, it is just about winning the games, however that may be."

Tyrone Mings - with his first goal since 2023 - and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba's first senior goal completed Villa's comeback as they finished second in the Europa League league phase.

Rogers, Villa's nine-goal top scorer, was proud of their resilience after falling 2-0 behind with a depleted squad.

"Everyone has the same problem and we all have to be ready to just focus on the games and our bodies as best we can," said the 23-year-old. "We are in no different position to anyone else. We have players in there who are ready.

"That is all that matters. There is a next man-up mentality and we have just got to try and get in there and win the games."