Alex McLeish has insisted he has no doubts about Emile Heskey and defender Carlos Cuellar, who are both out of contract this summer.
Villa boss backing Heskey and Cuellar to perform
Alex McLeish has insisted he has no doubts about the ability of Emile Heskey and defender Carlos Cuellar, who are both out of contract at Aston Villa this summer.
Striker Heskey, 34, is poised to lead the attack against Bolton on Tuesday night if captain Gabriel Agbonlahor fails to recover from a shoulder problem.
Cuellar is required to fill the gap at the back left by the absence of central defender James Collins through a groin problem.
McLeish said: "It depends on Gabby, but Emile would come right into the thinking for tonight. He's admired by all his team-mates.
"His team-mates love him, and love him playing in the team, because they know he's going to work his socks off for the cause and he's going to create chances for them.
"He's capable of scoring as well when he's playing in his favourite position of centre forward.
"I think Michael Owen said he was the best partner he ever played with.
"It's the same scenario with someone like Carlos. The thing about guys like that is that they have total commitment to any particular task that they have to undertake.
"Those two are fine examples of that, two guys who will go through brick walls for you and for the club - regardless of what happens next."
Rotten
McLeish also confirmed Cuellar was the 'outstanding candidate' to skipper the side on Tuesday night if Agbonlahor is ruled out.
The Scot has challenged Villa to improve their home record and show a ruthless streak on Tuesday night.
Villa have recorded just four victories in front of their own supporters this season and lie only five points above the bottom three.
McLeish said: "Our record at home is rotten. It's not something we are proud of.
"It's something we can't do anything about now but we've got to do something about the next game. We've got to go all out to win it."
