Heskey excited at O'Neill reunion

Emile Heskey is relishing the chance to work again with Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill after completing a £3.5million switch from Wigan.

Heskey spent four years under O'Neill during the initial part of his career at Leicester before making an £11million switch to Liverpool in 2000.

"The prospect of working with Martin O'Neill again was one of the biggest factors for me. I know what he's about and I know I will be able to work well with him," he said.

He helped the Foxes win two League Cup triumphs and four successive top-10 finishes in the Barclays Premier League.

Now his sights will be higher as he looks to help Villa sustain their push for a Champions League spot during the second half of the current campaign.

He is expected to make his debut in Tuesday's league game at Portsmouth after being signed too late to take part in today's FA Cup tie at Doncaster.

Heskey, who was also a target for Liverpool, added: "Aston Villa is a big club and it's been taking strides to get back to where it should be. I hope to be part of that.

"I have very fond memories of playing for him. I played for four seasons with him at Leicester and they were four great seasons. We were always finishing in the top half of the Premier League table and that was Leicester who, with respect, were a small club.

"He took us to three League Cup finals in four years and into Europe. That says it all really. He was brilliant."

O'Neill said: "I am absolutely delighted to sign Emile who has been a brilliant player for a number of years. This is great news. It gives us all a big boost - the football club, myself and the players."