Heskey backed to shine for Villa

24 September 2010 17:26
Emile Heskey may have called time on his international career after this summer's World Cup finals, but Gerard Houllier believes England's loss could be Aston Villa's gain. Houllier is working with Heskey for a second time, having signed him for Liverpool in 2000. He is confident Heskey still has plenty to offer in the Premier League, despite falling out of the first-team picture under Martin O'Neill. "All strikers need confidence. They need to feel they have the backing of the manager, club and the fans. Emile probably needs that more than the others, he said. "He decided to stop his international career so now it means he can repeat games for us.The whole England team suffered for what happened in South Africa. Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don't, but whatever you say about Emile he is a good man and a good player. "I read a few things about what he said when he retired and it's very sensible what he said, that his time has gone now, he's 32-33. Emile will be 100 per cent Villa and as the manager I am happy."

Source: FOOTYMAD