EMILE Heskey has told Alex McLeish he will play anywhere to help Villa’s cause as he strives to drain every drop from the closing stages of his career.

Heskey has been used up front, on the left wing and in a central midfield role this season with McLeish also claiming the veteran could play in defence.

And the former England striker, who is in the final year of his claret and blue contract, is content to continue as the manager’s flexible friend.

The 33-year-old is expected to recover from an Achilles problem to declare himself fit for Villa’s next match away at Tottenham on Monday night.

“It’s going well,” said Heskey, who has started seven of Villa’s 11 Premier League matches under McLeish.

“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 to enjoy every moment out there because when it’s gone it’s gone.

“I will play wherever. It’s nice to be involved.”

Heskey’s brief cameos in central midfield during a couple of games last month raised eyebrows, but the versatile Villan revealed he played there and left midfield earlier in his career.

He admits he is more comfortable in his familiar forward role because it comes more naturally, whereas playing in a different position requires greater concentration and thought.

“I started off at Leicester in the first team out on the left wing,” he said.

“It wasn’t my position, but that’s where I got my chance. I certainly have a good understanding of that position.