O'Neill backs Heskey fitness

Villa striker's groin injury not as bad as first feared

Last updated: 22nd December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

O'Neill backs Heskey fitness

Heskey: Groin injury boost

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is hopeful he could have Emile Heskey available over the busy festive period.

The striker limped out of Saturday's 1-0 victory over Stoke with a groin problem but scans on Monday revealed no serious damage.

Villa travel to Arsenal on Sunday with clashes against Liverpool and Blackburn following thick and fast and O'Neill has backed the 31-year-old to feature.

The Northern Irishman said: "Emile went for a scan. It showed a bit of something but he feels much better himself.

"I think it is shaping up to be a short-term injury, which is good news for us and him.

"He may be available for one of the two Christmas games and that is decent news for us."

The England international struggled for selection during the early part of the season but has since broken into the team and netted three times in his previous six games.

O'Neill now wants the 31-year-old to continue that form as well as aiding his team-mates in front of goal.

"Emile knows himself that he should be contributing more goals, but then he is an unselfish player who creates chances for other people," he added.

"If you ask people like Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney with England, they will say how much they enjoy playing with him."