Striker’s double helped down the Reds as Villa secured Champions League football.
John McGinn joked he wishes Ollie Watkins was Scottish after the striker helped Villa down Liverpool and book their place in the Champions League.
The striker scored twice in the second half, with McGinn also on the mark as Unai Emery’s men beat the Reds 4-2 to guarantee a top-five Premier League finish ahead of next week’s Europa League final.
Watkins has now scored 10 goals in 11 matches since being left out of the most recent England squad in March and could hardly be doing more to convince Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.
Villa skipper McGinn said: "I wish he was Scottish. He was obviously disappointed in March but if it gave him a kick up the backside he's certainly responded in the best way.
“We're so fortunate to have him, what he's done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible. I think he may have just snuck his way on to that plane. Hopefully he can carry that into next week."
Villa had taken just one point from their previous three matches to heighten fears of being overhauled in the race for Champions League football.
But Emery was rewarded for naming his strongest line-up with one of their best Premier League performances of the season’s second half.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring just before the break and though Virgil van Dijk equalised for the Reds, Watkins’ double put Villa in control.
McGinn then curled home a brilliant effort before van Dijk bagged a consolation for the visitors with his second of the night.
Villa now go to Istanbul to face Freiburg in high spirits and asked about the team’s confidence, McGinn said: "We need to be. How can you not be? This allows us to be excited and enjoy Wednesday properly."
"The supporters have got to enjoy it. We're slight favourites but in finals anything can happen.
“We've got to stay focused. It's what you dream of when you're young. You've got to enjoy it but have fun."
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