Morgan Rogers praised after hat-trick for Aston Villa against Celtic in UEFA Champions League - 'Going to be a star'
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Published 30/01/2025 at 00:15 GMT
Morgan Rogers had a night to remember at Villa Park, scoring a hat-trick to help Aston Villa cement their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a 4-2 triumph over Celtic. Former Villa midfielder and TNT Sports pundit Stiliyan Petrov believes the sky is the limit for the youngster after a breakout performance. "He was a joy to watch," said Petrov.
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates with the match ball after his hat trick during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Aston Villa FC and Celtic FC at Villa Park on January 29, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
TNT Sports pundit Stiliyan Petrov believes Morgan Rogers has the talent to become a star after his hat-trick helped Aston Villa progress to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a 4-2 victory over Celtic.
Rogers scored twice in the first five minutes to give the hosts a 2-0 lead at Villa Park, but Celtic struck back through Adam Idah to go into half-time level.
Ollie Watkins restored Villa's advantage in the 60th minute, but missed a chance to wrap up the victory from the penalty spot.
Rogers made no such mistake, completing his hat-trick in stoppage time, and former Villa midfielder Petrov believes he has an exciting future ahead of him.
"He was a joy to watch," said Petrov. "We talked about him before the game, what he offers to the Villa team, what he brings to the Villa team.
"He was just outstanding, we saw everything from the young man. He looked like a mature player.
"He looked like he is going to be a star. He could have scored another two.
"In the second half, Brendan Rodgers changed the tactics a little bit, he put two players to man mark Rogers, and he has just managed to adapt, to move to a different position and find space so he can score goals.
"He was absolutely fantastic."
It was not all good news for Villa fans this evening though, with The Athletic reporting that striker Jhon Duran is set to undergo a medical ahead of a potential move to Cristiano Ronaldo's club Al Nassr.
The forward was an unused substitute at Villa Park and Emery remained tight-lipped about any potential outgoings after the win.
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'Anything can happen' - Emery tight-lipped on Duran, Watkins futures
Video credit: Eurosport
"Tomorrow or Friday we can talk about the transfer, or maybe next week," he said.
"Until everything is done I don't want to speak, because in football everything can happen.
"The club is working and trying to compete in the transfer window because we need some players. Some can leave, but it is not time to speak about it."
Duran has been in sensational form for Villa so far this season, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions.
The Colombian is not the only player who has been linked with a move away from the club recently, with Watkins also reportedly the subject of a bid from Arsenal, according to The Guardian.
Ally McCoist admitted that he would be surprised if Duran stayed at the club past the end of this January's transfer window.
"I would be flabbergasted if he was not on that plane tomorrow," added the TNT Sports pundit.
"Oh no, you can't sell both. What a dilemma it is, because he [Emery] has two great strikers fighting for that position.
"One of them wants away because he wants to play more. It is a catch-22 in many ways."
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