Aston Villa can break into Big Four says Emile Heskey

28 January 2009 20:51
Heskey, who has been reunited with his former mentor from Leicester City, insisted the manager has given the Midlands club the steel necessary to break into the Premier League's big four. [LNB]Euphoric from his decisive goal at Portsmouth, taken with his customary aplomb, Heskey said: "Once I spoke to him that was it. He didn't have to take too long selling it, that's for sure. It's a big club." [LNB]O'Neill's inspirational motivation also helped convince the striker to leave Wigan for Villa's Champions League ambitions, starting to come to fruition after the win at Fratton Park. [LNB]"He brings out a belief in players that they can go out and perform well," Heskey said.[LNB] "I know people say I don't believe in myself but I don't think that's right, because I do. I wouldn't still be playing if I didn't believe in myself. I'm 31 and I've broken back into the England squad twice. I hope Martin has the ability to give me something more again. [LNB]"To start working with him again was like meeting an old friend you haven't seen for years and dropping straight back into the way it was. [LNB]"All the memories of when I was under him at Leicester came straight back."[LNB]Despite the impression that Villa's title chase has only been kept alive by marginal victories, Heskey believed that the club had longer-term big-four credentials. [LNB] "I think we have the squad with the right qualities," he said. "You must be collectively strong – but you have to have some very individual players, too." Heskey, with the physical presence he has brought to Villa's attack, is assuredly one of those. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph