Martin O'Neill is convinced Emile Heskey can fight back at Aston Villa.

The England striker has climbed down from comments made last week about seeking a move away in January. O'Neill, who also worked with Heskey at Leicester City, has no doubts he has a future at Villa Park.

He told TalkSport: "We're talking about seven or eight games into the season and it's not as if to say that South Africa is a fortnight away or a month away.

"Many things can happen. Some of the players playing for England very regularly may end up getting injured and that's something obviously nobody wants but that is a possibility. I think that, for instance, on Emile's case, Emile has done exceptionally well for England.

"He can take a lot of pride in the fact that he has helped them get through to South Africa and get through very, very quickly. Just recently he has not started for us in the games, and I'd like to think it's because all the players are keeping him out of the team rather than anything else but I have no doubt that he will fight back.

"He will rediscover that club form that he has produced for quite a number of years and I can see him come roaring back."