Laursen backs Heskey move

Villa skipper would welcome England striker at Villa Park

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 27th October 2008

Emile Heskey Wigan

Heskey: Laursen praise

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Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen believes that Wigan striker Emile Heskey would be a good addition to the Villa squad.

With Heskey's contract at Wigan running out in the summer rumours have linked the 30-year-old with a move to Villa Park, where he would be re-united with his former Leicester City boss Martin O'Neill.

Laursen found himself up against the England striker on Sunday at the JJB Stadium and has admitted he would fit right in at Villa.

He said: "We like to play with a good target-man like John (Carew).

"Heskey is a good player, and we will always welcome good players at this club because it keeps the competition high and at it's best for everyone."

Laursen also found time to praise one of his current team-mates after Gareth Barry found the net for a second successive game at the JJB Stadium.

He said: "I was very relieved when the transfer window shut. He (Barry) is such a great player, and it was vital he stayed because he can play left-back, in the middle or left-wing.

"He was superb against Ajax and if he would have left we would have missed him a lot too."

Another Villa player catching the eye at the moment is striker Gabby Agbonlahor, with Villa manager O'Neill delighted with his recent displays.

The striker is already a valuable member of Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad and has recently excelled as a lone frontman for both club and country, most notably against Ajax in the Uefa Cup on Thursday.

O'Neill said: "In the Under-21 game against Wales the other night he played on his own in attack. So he can do it. It's not a problem to him. It's not as if you are asking him to do something that he can't do.

"He feels he is capable of doing it, and I have to say, his hold-up play is improving all the time."

O'Neill has noted the improvements in Agbonlahor's game during his time as manager, most notably his strength.

He said: "It's a strong man's game and in the two years I have known him, Gaby has improved his physique. He is now so strong.

"Other players can be strong, but not as brave. He leans into players, holds them off, and that's the part of his game that's improved beyond all recognition.

"I know it sounds as if I am in raptures about him, but I thought he was terrific against Ajax."

The 22-year-old shrugged off a knock he picked up against Ajax to score one and create two in Villa's impressive 4-0 win away at WIgan.