Emile Heskey Encourages Michael Owen to Join Aston Villa

Emile Heskey has welcomed the possible arrival of Michael Owen to Aston Villa, describing the striker as a 'great player'.

Owen's contract at Newcastle ends this summer and the 29-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs, most prominently Everton and Villa. Speaking ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Wednesday, Heskey made it clear that his one-time Liverpool striker partner would be welcomed at the Midlands club.

"It would be nice [if Owen signed for Villa]," said Heskey. "Michael's a great player and whenever he's been knocked down he's got back up again and scored goals."

Heskey is "full of confidence" right now, particularly after scoring his first competitive goal in seven years against Kazakhstan on Saturday. England's 4-0 win in Almaty puts them on the brink of World Cup qualification but Heskey insists the squad is not getting carried away.

"The lads are just focusing on the next game [against Andorra]," he said. "Like every player I want to play in as many tournaments as possible but we're not thinking about South Africa yet."