Source: Team_Talk
Heskey told to be more selfish
Heskey played a key part in Fabio Capello's side booking their place in the World Cup finals during a 5-1 win over Croatia in midweek.
Capello has been quick to constantly praise the contribution that Heskey brings to his side.
But that has not stopped a debate over whether Heskey or the more prolific Jermain Defoe, scorer of five goals in his last four internationals, should be in the side.
O'Neill, who managed Heskey as a youngster at Leicester, believes the 31-year-old has still to produce his best form in an Aston Villa shirt ahead of Sunday's derby with Birmingham at St Andrew's.
But he has no doubts that the former Liverpool and Birmingham player can increase his goal ratio.
O'Neill said: "I'm not concerned about rivalry at England level. I'm sure the England manager will be saying the more competition for places; the better it is for him.
"People have said that Emile feels he hasn't settled in completely at Villa yet. That might be a point.
"What Emile can offer for us is there for all to see. What I think he can do, and he feels this himself, is score more goals or get more attempts on goal, being a bit selfish.
"I think he has been selfless as a player. He has earned that right to be a bit more selfish and a bit more assertive in front of goal.
"That is something he will want to do more often because it is part of his game that was once there.
"Sometimes you are a provider for other centre-forwards and goal poachers. You can be given that tag and you stop doing the things that have helped you during your career."
Richard Dunne is poised to make his Villa debut in the derby clash following his £6million move from Manchester City.
O'Neill can understand how difficult it is for a player to move clubs after a lengthy spell at City but is convinced he will prove to be a major success at Villa.
He said: "When you have been a long time at one place you become part of the furniture. The last thing you want to be is uprooting, particularly if things are happening at a club like Manchester City who have spent a lot of money.
"You either decide you want to be part of that or someone says you are not going to be involved and then you have a decision to make.
"But if he was going to move, Richard always had us in the back of his mind and that has proved to be the case.
"Of course, it is a wrench leaving a club but I believe Dunne will be excellent for us as time goes on."
James Collins could also make his first appearance for Villa following his £5million switch from West Ham shortly before the transfer window closed last week.
Stephen Warnock, who was on the bench for the 2-0 home success against Fulham a fortnight ago, may also be handed a first start against Alex McLeish's side.
O'Neill is full of admiration for his former rival when the pair were in charge of Celtic and Rangers respectively north of the border.
He said: "Alex did a terrific job in getting Birmingham promoted at the end of last season and I believe his squad is stronger than when they were last in the Premier League."
Aston Villa 5/4, Birmingham 9/4, Draw 9/4
