Heskey backs Houllier to be a success
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Your support makes all the difference.Emile Heskey is backing Gerard Houllier to repeat the success he experienced at Liverpool during his reign as Aston Villa manager.
Heskey knows first hand about the qualities of Houllier who signed him for the Reds from Leicester in an £11million deal a decade ago.
The former England striker scored 22 goals in his first season at Anfield - his best ever haul in a campaign - alongside Michael Owen.
And Heskey made a sparkling start in Houllier's first game in charge in scoring one and setting up two goals for Ashley Young in a 3-1 win over Blackburn in the Carling Cup.
Heskey said: "It's nice to be reunited with the manager. I know all about him and fingers crossed he will bring good times back to Villa.
"He did brilliantly at Liverpool and I am sure he can do the same here.
"He has many qualities and discipline on and off the park is one thing he definitely brings."
Heskey has had an up and down career and the former Birmingham player has never fully won over the Villa fans although they gave him full backing after his performance against Blackburn.
He said: "You've got to keep yourself going. Football is a funny game with loads of ups and downs in my career and I've managed to keep myself sane!
"Has my Villa move lived up to expectations? I don't know. Every move has its up and downs. I went to a cup final and semi-final last year.
"That's the first time I've done that in four or five years. I can't say it's been a bad thing.
"I'll just keep plugging away. I don't need to show anyone I can play.
"I just go out there and perform to the best of my ability."
Heskey has struggled to hold down a regular spot since moving from Wigan during the January 2009 transfer window.
But he has been determined to make an impact whenever called upon.
Heskey said: "I've been working hard in training to be ready for when called upon.
"Even when (caretaker manager) Kevin MacDonald was in charge, he said 'make sure you are ready' so I've been working on that."
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