Emile Heskey admits that a lack of action at Aston Villa could cost him a World Cup place

10 September 2009 15:58
Emile Heskey admits he has to play more regularly for Aston Villa to fulfil his dream of going to next summer's World Cup finals. Heskey played a key role in unsettling the Croatian defence as England triumphed 5-1 at Wembley to qualify for South Africa with two games to spare. Mr Muscle: Emile Heskey led the line in England's rout of Croatia Fabio Capello again named Heskey in his starting line-up ahead of Jermain Defoe despite the Tottenham striker's prolific goal-scoring form this season. But Heskey concedes he has not produced his best form for Villa since his £3.5million and knows that he faces a fight to keep hold of his England spot, with Defoe, Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole all competing for a place alongside Wayne Rooney. Heskey said: 'My place [with England] is not nailed on. There's a lot of strikers that are doing well at times. 'You've got to keep yourself fit, keep yourself in good condition and keep doing well for your club. If you're not doing well for your club and not playing, then how can a manager pick you? 'I've got to do well for Villa and try to keep myself in the team. You're always happy when you're playing so I'm like everyone else. You can always have a player like Peter Crouch, who's done brilliantly, come back in and his record speaks for itself.' Heskey, who is an injury doubt for Sunday's derby trip to Birmingham because of a tight hamstring, added: 'I'm still finding my feet at Villa. 'It's nice to be involved in the England games and qualify for the World Cup, hopefully I will get more games at Villa. I've got to get into the Villa team but I'm confident in my ability. 'I don't know why hasn't it gone so well at Villa. I'm just concentrating on doing my best and trying to put the performances in. 'There's three strikers there so it's difficult. I'm sure the manager will try to rotate it because there will be a lot of games so you just have to be on your toes and ready.'

Source: Daily_Mail