O´Neill can´t promise Heskey a Villa recall

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill admits he still cannot promise Emile Heskey a recall despite the England striker hinting he might have to leave to guarantee his World Cup place.

Heskey, 31, went public earlier this week with his frustration over O’Neill’s decision to leave him on the bench for long spells since his January move from Wigan.

The former Liverpool striker has struggled to make an impact at Villa Park and fears he is in danger of losing his spot in the England team because coach Fabio Capello insists on his players starting regularly for their clubs.

Heskey wasn’t even on the bench for Wednesday’s win over Belarus and O’Neill understands his predicament but has no intention of changing his tactics just to accommodate one player.

“There is a frustration factor with players when they are not playing,” O’Neill said on Friday.

“It is ironic that Emile is playing regularly for England at the moment and not playing regularly for us.

“The England manager, for the most part, wants his players to be playing regularly for their club sides. That is the situation for England to decide upon.

“I’m not here to guarantee people places in the team and I think Emile accepts that viewpoint.

“I do have some empathy with him because he has done exceptionally well for England and guided them to the World Cup in relatively quick time.

“He has made a very good impression with Fabio Capello and would want to be in the starting line-up more often here.”