Houllier hands Heskey start against Wolves

Emile Heskey was handed his first Barclays Premier League start for six months by new Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier for the derby clash with Wolves at Molineux.

The former England striker was rewarded for an impressive performance as substitute in the mid-week Carling Cup clash with Blackburn and replaced Gabriel Agbonlahor who was on the bench.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy made two changes from the side beaten 3-1 at Tottenham last weekend.

Christophe Berra, who had been suspended for that game, replaced Richard Stearman at the heart of the defence.

Dave Edwards came into midfield at the expense of Michael Mancienne.

Steven Fletcher, who had operated in a wide midfield role at White Hart Lane, was expected to move up front alongside Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle.

Wolverhampton: Hahnemann, Foley, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Edwards, Henry, David Jones, Jarvis, Fletcher, Doyle.

Subs: Hennessey, Elokobi, Stearman, Ebanks-Blake, Bent, Milijas, Guedioura.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Collins, Warnock, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Downing, Ashley Young, Heskey.

Subs: Guzan, Sidwell, Ireland, Agbonlahor, Davies, Bannan, Lichaj.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)