Video courtesy of FA TV
Journeyman striker Emile Heskey may not have had the most prolific goal-scoring record during his time at Anfield, but he sure did accomplish a lot. Spells with Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa and A-League side Newcastle Jets would follow his days on Merseyside, but after signing a short term deal with Championship side Bolton Wanderers, he’ll be heading back to where he spent the most fruitful spell of his career in an FA Cup fourth round clash with Reds later today.
“When you get into football and everyone says ‘what are you getting in for?’ it’s for the love of the game and to come out with trophies. I’ve managed to do that with Liverpool so I can’t have any regrets to be honest” explained the 37-year old in the build-up to the match. “I am happy with what I achieved (in my career). Up to now I have four League Cups, an FA Cup, a Uefa Cup, a Super Cup, a Charity Shield, I’ve been to two World Cups, two Euros. I’m happy.”
The striker will almost certainly play some part in proceedings as the Trotters look to upset their Premier League opposition on their own patch of grass. Bolton boss Neil Lennon has backed the experienced 37-year old to not only help the younger players in the squad with their game, but to receive a good reception from the Reds supporters. Although he’s always been well received by the Kop whenever he’s returned to Anfield, Heskey isn’t about to take anything for granted.
“I won’t pinch myself but at 37 would I have been thinking I would be playing against Liverpool at Anfield? Probably not, but I am going to relish every moment of it” he enthused before saying that a warm welcome from the Liverpool faithful would be special for him. “That would be wonderful” he said when asked if he expects a good reception from Anfield. “If I had hair it would stand up.”
