Emile Heskey has welcomed reports that his highly-productive partnership with Michael Owen could be reformed at Aston Villa this summer.
Heskey joined Villa from Wigan in the winter transfer window and as Martin O’Neill continues to shape his squad, it has been reported that Newcastle striker Owen is under consideration as a possible signing for the Europa League-bound side.
Owen, left stranded on 40 England goals at present, is out of contract at Newcastle this summer and it looks inevitable that he will leave St James’ Park following the club’s relegation to The Championship.
He has previously credited Heskey with improving his performances, both for England and Liverpool in the past, and Owen would be a superb addition to the Villa side, according to his sometime accomplice.
“It would be nice.” Heskey said on Setanta Sports News.
“Obviously Michael is a great player, he has shown that on many occasions. He has been knocked and he has always got back up and performed.”
Heskey scored his seventh goal in 53 caps during Saturday’s 4-0 defeat of Kazahstan which continued England’s 100 percent record after six matches of World Cup qualifying.
The Villa star is now hoping to end Fabio Capello’s first full season as England head coach with another victory when Andorra visit Wembley on Wednesday night.
“It is going to be a difficult game,” Heskey added. “Coming back from Kazakhstan is a long flight, but we are very focused and will hopefully get the result. It’s the last game [of the season] and it is at home, so we are very confident.”
England are currently seven points clear of Croatia at the top of Group 6.