Aston Villa manager Dean Smith is hopeful Ollie Watkins will return to action for Saturday's clash with Newcastle United.

Watkins missed the opening weekend loss to Watford due to a bruised knee.

Smith said: "I'm hopeful Ollie will be back for Newcastle. We missed him on Saturday.

"He naturally plays with an intensity and stretches the line really well for us.

"He certainly wouldn't have given the Watford back four as much time on the ball as they had today."