Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey today hinted that a return to hometown club Leicester is on the cards when his contract expires next summer.

Aston Villa forward Emile Heskey today revealed he is happy to be manager Alex McLeish’s ‘flexible friend’ if it means he keeps his place in the starting line-up.

Darren Bent was today ruled out of Aston Villa’s trip to Queens Park Rangers – forcing boss Alex McLeish to recall Andreas Weimann from his loan spell at Watford.

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey is set to spend two weeks out with a hamstring injury – but Jermaine Jenas could be fit to face Bolton in the Carling Cup next week.

Aston Villa were today checking on the fitness of Emile Heskey and Jermaine Jenas after boss Alex McLeish confirmed the pair could be out for the next fortnight.

Brad Friedel’s future remains in the balance today with no guarantee he will sign a new contract with Villa despite the offer of a new one-year deal.

Ashley Young has warned Wigan to expect a Villa backlash after the players were left “hurt” by defeat to Albion last weekend.

Villa were today handed a treble fitness boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Wigan at the weekend.

Emile Heskey has hailed the impact of Darren Bent and believes his fellow striker will be top of the goalscoring charts at Villa for years to come.

Villa manager Gerard Houllier has praised the attitude of Emile Heskey and claimed the striker has an important role to play in the remainder of the campaign.