Emile Heskey didn't train with team-mates before Portsmouth game, reveals Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill
Jan 28 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
MARTIN O’Neill revealed goal hero Emile Heskey did not even get a chance to train with Villa’s first team before his match-winning debut last night.
The paperwork confirming Heskey’s £3.5million signing from Wigan was not completed until Monday morning and Villa travelled down to Hampshire soon after.
It meant Heskey was forced to train with O’Neill’s fringe players while the starting XI from Saturday’s FA Cup draw at Doncaster were given time off to rest.
Despite being denied the opportunity to practise with his new colleagues, Heskey quickly settled into Villa’s system, grabbing a brilliant 21st minute winner.
“I thought it would take some time, but he’s a quality player and he’s strong,” said O’Neill.
“It was mentioned about him scoring goals.
“I’m hoping that it will be the first of many for us,
