Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish says Emile Heskey's experience will be critical this season.
McLeish is happy to keep the former England forward for the final 12 months of his deal because his years of Premier League know-how can help Villa's young squad.
"His experience is phenomenal," said McLeish. "He has enormous experience. He has played for England at the top level, he has played for several top managers over the years so he has learnt a lot.
"Discarding his kind of knowledge and his skills would be crazy. I have to tap in to a guy like that. I have to use him to the full.
"There is no guarantee Emile will play every single week but he has certainly impressed me in pre-season.
"Against Braga you saw Emile getting in the box, he had another terrific game. I've been very impressed with the guy as a man, he's a humble pro."
