Express & Star

Hat-trick hero speaks out after dream night at Villa Park

Morgan Rogers celebrated the “highlight of his career so far” after his hat-trick helped Villa beat Celtic and qualify for the Champions League last-16.

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Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers (right) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Saturday December 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Villa. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

The 22-year-old became the first player to score twice in the opening five minutes of a match in the competition’s history and completed his treble late on as Unai Emery’s men outlasted their visitors in a pulsating Battle of Britain.

Ollie Watkins had earlier put Villa back in front after a quickfire Adam Idah double had cancelled out the home side’s two-goal advantage.

Watkins also missed a penalty hours after it emerged Villa had a £60million bid rejected for his services.