Heskey could start

England striker Emile Heskey is pushing for a starting place against Manchester City tomorrow at JJB Stadium after featuring as a substitute against Arsenal last week.

The 22 minutes he played in the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates was his first action since breaking a metatarsal on September 15.

Winger Antonio Valencia sat out the Gunners clash because of a knee problem but is expected to return for new manager Steve Bruce’s first match in charge.

Provisional squad: Kirkland, Melchiot, Granqvist, Bramble, Kilbane, Cotterill, Sibierski, Landzaat, Scharner, Skoko, Brown, Taylor, Bent, Heskey, Valencia, Aghahowa, Pollitt, Hall, Olembe.