Gaffer Challenges Heskey

Martin O'Neill has dared Emile Heskey to become more selfish in front of goal and improve his goals to games ratio.

Speaking to SSN O'Neill praised what Heskey brings to the pitch as a whole, but said he needs to become more selfish and get himself on the scoresheet far more often.

'He'll accept himself he's never been the most prolific of scorers.'

O'Neill goes on to state that he's not really concerned what Heskey does for England, his only priority is what he does for the Villa:

'What he does for us is obviously the most important issue selfishly as far as I'm concerned and I think he can improve his goal ratio.'

O'Neill offers up that Heskey may have become too used to laying balls off for others to score and over time he's, well in essence, forgotten how to play like a predatory striker and that's potentially he no longer makes attacking runs down the channels or gets into prime goalscoring positions.

Not sure I believe that myself, as Heskey's record has never been fantastic, even as a youngster and long before he become Michael Owen's favourite player to play alongside.

There's no doubt Heskey is an enigma, he has all the qualities to be a roaring centre forward, enough managers love him, clubs have paid big, big money for him yet I can count on one hand throughout his career the games where he hasn't been a lump.

Or is the phrase now 'does a Vienna'.

*Try Vital Mobile FOR FREE for the latest news, scores, fixtures and so much more*

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.