Watkins treated himself to a birthday gift of a goal and an assist in Villa's 2-2 draw with Brighton at Villa Park on Monday night to end 2024 in style.
But he also missed two good chances to win the game near the end after the Seagulls had equalised in the last ten minutes.
The 29-year-old's year got off to a superb start, firing Villa to Champions League qualification before peaking with his Euro 2024 semi-final winning goal for England in the summer.
But he has been scratching around for his top level since and has recently spent time on the bench, with Emery preferring Jhon Duran in the starting XI.
Emery said: "He has to feel confidence and he has to feel comfortable with his qualities in the style we have.
This story is from the January 02, 2025 edition of Birmingham Mail.
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This story is from the January 02, 2025 edition of Birmingham Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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