McClaren hints at Heskey Owen partnership

Updated 09.25 Mon Sep 03 2007

Keywords: football, sport, Emile Heskey, England, Steve McClaren

England boss Steve McClaren has dropped a huge hint that Emile Heskey could partner Michael Owen up front in their Euro 2008 qualifying clash with Israel.

With Wayne Rooney injured and Peter Crouch suspended for the clash, Heskey now finds himself back in the spotlight after a shock recall.

"Emile is a player with a lot of international experience and has played many times with Michael Owen in the past" - Steve McClaren

Heskey earned the last of his 43 caps against France in the Euro 2004 finals, while his previous call-up was for the matches with Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland in March 2005.

McClaren said: "Emile is a player with a lot of international experience and has played many times with Michael Owen in the past.

"While he has been out of the squad for a few years, I have spoken with (Wigan manager) Chris Hutchings who has been hugely impressed with him and I think he deserves to be recalled.

"He has been in good form for Wigan this season and we need his experience at this time."