Villa play down striker fears

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says Emile Heskey's back problem is not serious and says he should be back in action soon.

Heskey, who has had a number of niggles this season, picked up a back injury in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham last Wednesday and reports have suggested he could be facing a lengthy spell out.

The striker will again be missing when England take on Brazil this weekend but O'Neill expects him to be back pushing for a place in the first team as soon as possible.

"It's not a serious problem which will keep Emile out for weeks," O'Neill revealed. "I know Emile from the past, he's had an ongoing back problem throughout his time.

"It comes up now and again and it gets very stiff and it obstructs him. But overall it's not a monumentally difficult thing and we're trying to get to the bottom of it."