Aston Villa have surpassed expectations in reaching the UEFA Champions League under Unai Emery, but David James expects them to challenge for the knockout rounds.
The Premier League outfit are back in Europe's top-tier competition for the first time in four decades, having previously won the European Cup in 1982.
It marks the peak of a remarkable revival under Emery, who arrived from Europa League success with Villarreal to turn them into continental contenders.
James, who played for Villa during a two-year spell between 1999 and 2001, admits he has been surprised by the Spaniard's impact, but has backed him for further success.
"Did I expect Aston Villa to be in the Champions League when Emery joined?" James told safestcasinosites.co.uk. "I can’t say I did.
"I think the progress that he has made at the club, in such a short space of time, has surprised everyone in football. I’m also surprised because of how it finished for him at Arsenal.
"A lot of managers would have been damaged by that experience, but he wasn’t impacted at all and reestablished his credentials by winning another Europa League with Villareal.
"I think he’s been a breath of fresh air at Villa. The fans have wanted to see their club dining at Europe’s top table and he’s taken them there. He deserves huge credit for that.
"The Champions League is going to be a wonderful trip for Villa fans. I don't know what success looks like if you're not going to win it.
"But a place in [the] knock-out rounds is something that I think they will be targeting. I think Aston Villa will enjoy their Champions League experience."
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