By Dan Harrison

Emile Heskey has been backed to "do some damage" to Bolton's defence - if he gets the nod in tonight's crucial Barclays Premier League clash.

Heskey is on alert to lead the line for Villa if a shoulder injury rules out stand-in skipper Gabby Agbonlahor.

And manager Alex McLeish reckons the 62-cap former England striker could have an important role to play as Villa look to secure top-flight safety.

"It depends on Gabby, but Emile would come right into the thinking," said the Villa boss.

"He's admired by all his team-mates. His team-mates love him and love him playing in the team because they know he's going to work his socks off for the cause and he's going to create chances for them.

"He's capable of scoring as well when he's playing in his favourite position of centre forward.

"Emile can definitely do a bit of damage in the opposition box."

Heskey made a bright cameo in Saturday's goalless draw against Sunderland and McLeish believes the 34-year-old could be an effective foil for Andreas Weimann.

"I think even Michael Owen said that he was the best partner he ever played with," he added.

"If Gabby doesn't make it then I'm sure Emile will impart that help that he gave to Michael Owen to young Andi Weimann.

"There are similar cases throughout football history.

"Cloughy had John McGovern and people thought what does John do but Brian Clough couldn't have done without him in his system.

"There's been guys like that throughout the history of the game that have been a manager's player or a player's player.

"They leave the frills and the finer moments to the flair players."

Snap up tickets for the clash against Bolton - click here.