Houllier hails Heskey effect

23 September 2010 09:00
New Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier saluted a match-winning contribution from substitute Emile Heskey as his team overcame Blackburn to reach the last 16 of the Carling Cup. Villa trailed at half time and looked out of sorts when operating with a 4-3-3 system. But Houllier altered his formation for the second 45 minutes, brought on Heskey and saw a dramatic up surge in Villa's fortunes. Heskey scored within 60 seconds of entering the action and had a hand in the build up to both goals from Ashley Young. Houllier said: "I know what Emile can do. He showed a few things in training to indicate he was in good form. He was decisive. With Emile, it's a matter of confidence. It's the same with all strikers but probably more so with him. "He knows I like him. I signed him for Liverpool. John Carew probably tired out the Blackburn defenders. Emile came on and was showing freshness, scored one goal and played a part in the other two."

Source: PA