Express & Star

Tammy Abraham sets sights on 30-goal mark after emulating Aston Villa legend Peter Withe

Hotshot Tammy Abraham has set himself a fresh target of 30 Championship goals as he looks to fire Villa into the Premier League.

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The on loan Chelsea striker became the first player since Peter Withe in 1981 to score 20 in a league campaign for the club, when he netted in Friday night’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Sheffield United.

Abraham, who hit the 20-mark in just 25 games, is eager to keep scoring but also desperate for his goals to mean something at the end of the campaign.

He told the Express & Star: “It’s a team sport and I said when I first came here I had to help the team as much as I can.

“As much as I want to smash records and do things for myself, I want to help this team as much as possible. That means taking this club up.

“I am going to keep fighting as much as I can, right until the last game.”

The 21-year-old described matching Withe as a “massive moment” and when asked about his next target, replied: “I just want to keep banging in goals. There are what, 15 games to go? Hopefully I can score another 10. We’ll see.”

Abraham believes Villa will head into Wednesday’s game at Brentford with renewed momentum after their remarkable comeback against the Blades.

Dean Smith’s men were 3-0 down after 81 minutes but somehow salvaged a point thanks to goals from Tyrone Mings, Abraham and Andre Green’s stoppage time leveller.

“Where did that come from? I can’t tell you but we are a team that never gives up,” said Abraham.

“When we were 3-0 down I don’t think there was anyone who thought we would come back like that. The stadium was emptying.

“But we have a fantastic squad. The first goal drove us forward and the second saw everyone’s spirits go up.

“We just had to keep going to the last minute and Andre came up with a great header.

“It’s a massive boost. Sheffield United are a good team who could have gone top of the league.

“We have to drive on to Wednesday now and another big game. We can’t look to drop points there. We have to go for the three.”