Aston Villa v Hibernian preview: Ollie Watkins eager to heap more misery on hapless Hibs

But though the Spanish head coach is almost certain to make changes, Watkins hopes he won’t be among those coming out of the starting XI.

The ambitious 27-year-old admits to having been “jealous” of strikers who play in Europe every season and though Villa are due to visit Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, insists the busy schedule does not bother him.

“It’s a schedule I have looked at, seen all the top players play. I was always a bit jealous,” he explained.

“I am in their boots now, being able to play Saturday, Wednesday, Sunday. It is what you get paid to do and I am looking forward to it.

“Sometimes the kick-off times and the schedules can be a little too close together. Perhaps that could be changed but I want to play every game, get the most out of my body.

“I want to play in every game possible. Even in pre-season games I was getting annoyed when I was coming off. I want to play every minute. Whether it is Hibs or whoever I want to play and score goals.”

Villa have plundered 12 goals in three matches since losing 5-1 on the season’s opening day at Newcastle. The margin of their first leg win at Easter Road matched a club record in European competition and hastened the demise of Hibs boss Lee Johnson, who was axed after a home defeat to Livingston on Saturday.

But while Villa made it look easy, Watkins felt they deserved credit for the manner they went about their task.

“I think a lot of people look at the score and say yeah, they should be winning like that,” he said.

“But last year we played against Bolton in the Carabao Cup and it was not a pretty win. They put us under pressure. We lost to Stevenage in the FA Cup.

“Teams sometimes don’t respect others in the lower leagues or different leagues and that is why you see so many shock results.

“That is why we did so well. The manager drills it into us to respect ever team. They are capable of scoring and creating problems. We saw the game out and played well.

“We are always going to score goals. No matter what game we play we are always going to create chances and score. It is good for us and the team. Personally, it was good for me with a hat-trick.”

Though the tie would appear effectively over a sold-out crowd is still expected at Villa Park for the club’s first home European fixture in 13 years. Youri Tielemans could make his full debut, though Nicolo Zaniolo remains cup tied at this point of the competition, having featured for Galatasaray in the Champions League play-off rounds.