By Paul Brown

Emile Heskey has revealed that playing in midfield is not strange for him - because he used to be the centre of attention as a kid.

Heskey has been used in what some would consider an alien role for him, in the central ground as a link between the midfield and the frontman.

But Heskey has played there before in his early years with the youth team at Leicester.

He's certainly enjoying this new responsibility in the middle of the park - and the different challenges it poses.

In fact, Heskey insists that simply playing football for Villa puts a smile on his face.

He said: "It's going well. I am playing in a few different positions. I am really enjoying it.

"I am enjoying football - that's the key, that's the big thing when you get to my age where you're coming towards the tail end of your career.

"I intend on enjoying every moment out there because when it's gone it's gone.

"I started off at Leicester in the first team out on the left wing. It wasn't my position but that's where I got my chance. I certainly have a good understanding of that position.

"And I played central midfield for the youth team at Leicester too. I was still a recognised forward but I played in the centre in a few games there and for the reserves too. It was good.

"It was totally different to being up front. It still is.

"It's not an instinctive thing. You have to think all the time in central midfield. When I'm up front, I don't have to think, I just do!

"You're in different positions in the centre and you're always thinking 'where do I need to be now.'

"I have been a striker for 16 years professionally so you know where you need to be at a certain times whereas when you're somewhere else you have to think a bit more.

"I will play wherever. It's nice to be involved."

Heskey is now concentrating on domestic football, of course, having retired from the international scene following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Despite this, he still keeps an eye on the Three Lions - and was thrilled to see them defeat Spain at the weekend.

The powerhouse forward thinks the 1-0 win will have done the players the world of good with the Euros on the horizon.

He added: "It was a massive result for the country. Never mind the players, the fans loved every minute of it.

"It was a huge result for the confidence. I was delighted. It will have given the players a massive boost.

"In terms of how we'll do in the Euros? It's hard to look that far ahead. You have to just take it stage by stage.

"You're going to have players who look like certainties who will drop out, some who will be injured and others who will emerge and become really important players for the manager. We will just have to wait and see.

"They're certainly showing good form. Winning that game was massive."

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