Heskey set for Villa bow

Emile Heskey is poised to make his Aston Villa debut in tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash with Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

The England striker has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract after completing his £3.5m move from Wigan before the weekend.

Defender Luke Young will be available after missing the goalless FA Cup draw at Doncaster while serving a one-game ban for incurring five bookings this season. Winger Ashley Young will serve the second game of a three-match suspension for his straight red card at Sunderland.

Team (from): Friedel, Guzan, L Young, Cuellar, Knight, Davies, Shorey, Milner, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Petrov, Barry, Agbonlahor, Heskey, Gardner, Harewood, Delfouneso, Salifou, Osbourne, Clark.