Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has told his slumbering
giant Emile Heskey to wake up and start throwing his weight
around.
"Emile is one of the most powerful players in the entire country
and when it all comes together there is no stopping him,"
Houllier said ahead of Liverpool’s Worthington Cup semi-final
with Sheffield United.
"Sometimes you have to push him a bit. Maybe he is just too nice
a guy. I said to him recently that he was a sleeping giant and
he did not argue," Houllier added.
"He knows that is the case. It is worth remembering that he does
contribute, even when he is not scoring. He makes goals with
challenges and opens up situations for team-mates.
"He is also still young but he does need to promote himself a
bit more."
Heskey, who turns 25 on Saturday, has managed only one
Premiership goal all season but Houllier feels there are
extenuating circumstances.
"He has been hampered by injury and the aftermath of the World
Cup," the Frenchman said.
"He is one of those very unselfish players who likes to play for
the team, and that is no bad thing. But he could do with pushing
himself forward a bit."
Heskey’s scoring skills were in demand as England striker
Michael Owen was expected to miss his third match in a row
Wednesday.
Owen has been troubled by a hamstring injury which has caused
him to sit out the FA Cup victory against Manchester City and
the league defeat by Newcastle on New Year’s Day. |
