Super-sub Emile Heskey has declared himself ready to answer Villa’s derby-day call if needed from the start on Sunday – but insists he has nothing to prove.

Heskey heads into this weekend’s Wolves showdown with renewed confidence after coming off the bench to inspire Villa to a 3-1 Carling Cup victory over Blackburn on Wednesday, scoring the equaliser with his first touch before playing a part in the other two goals.

New manager Gerard Houllier faces a potential selection headache up front with Gabby Agbonlahor (calf) doubtful and John Carew’s knee problems restricting his game time.

But the Villa boss can at least count on Heskey, who appears to have been given a new lease of life by the man who paid £11million to take him to Liverpool in 2000.

Houllier said: “I’ve been working hard in training, so I’m ready for when called upon.

“I know all about the manager and, fingers crossed, he will bring the good times back to Villa. He did brilliantly at Liverpool and I am sure he can do the same here.

“One thing he brings is discipline. He has said it is not just about the players on the field, it is about the subs and those in the stands too.”

Although on the field little over half an hour, it was arguably Heskey’s biggest contribution since joining in January 2009 with the striker having endured an indifferent time at Villa Park.

But the former England striker adamant he has nothing to prove.

He added: “Has the Villa move lived up to expectations? I don’t know. Every move has its ups and downs.

“I went to a cup final and semi-final last year for the first time in four or five years. I can’t say it’s been a bad thing.

“I don’t need to show anyone I can play. I just perform to my best, the lads know what I am capable of.”

Heskey also insisted England’s disastrous World Cup was not the reason for his international retirement.

He said: “I looked at the videos and what I had achieved. I just felt where do I go from now? There is a good array of young lads coming through and asked myself ‘can you keep up?’

“I felt I could, but for how long? So I felt it was the right time to step back.”