Villa fans in Dublin jaunt for England-based match

An Aston Villa fan travelled to Dublin in order to get to their Europa League semi-final in Nottingham, because "it's not a European away day unless you're on a flight".

Paddy Hennessy, from Erdington, went to the Irish capital on Wednesday then flew in to the East Midlands on Thursday morning ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest.

The season ticket holder said he never missed a game and wanted to keep the tradition of European trips alive, even though the match was being played in England.

"We've done every European game for the last three years, which has been incredible," Hennessy said.

He travelled with four friends, spending a day and night in Dublin before heading back in time for kick off.

He said: "Some of the lads have been doing it for 60-odd years."

Hennessy said he expected a tough game and would be happy with a draw.

Villa have won 11 Europa League matches this season and have also won their last nine games in a row.

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