Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer has called on Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey to make the most of tonight's big chance.

Shearer told The Sun: "Emile is such a frustrating player.

"He has a great build, is good in the air and can bully defenders. Yet too many times I have seen defenders bully him. He should be the perfect foil for a player like Michael Owen. I know he can do it and so does he.

"Which makes it all the more confusing as to why he disappears in so many games. He should be at the heart of everything, causing trouble and opening things up for others. He can be such a difficult player to play against.

"Then, other times, you just want to scream at him 'come on, get angry, let's do it'."

A muscular 6ft 2in and 14st he should certainly be a more imposing figure on a regular basis.

Heskey is now in his second season at Wigan having been sold on from Leicester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

He is still just 29 with 43 caps and five international goals behind him.

But, according to Shearer, he should be able to make his mark on the international stage.

Shearer said: "It's amazing to think that someone as good as him can have disappeared off the international radar.

"Like many England players, Emile's best night will have come in 2001 when we beat Germany 5-1.

"That should have just been the start. He showed then how well he can combine with Michael Owen.

"And I know Michael likes playing alongside him. It's the classic big man, little man act - with Emile taking all the knocks and bruises and Michael getting the goals.

"Emile can make the space and help create the openings. At least that should be how it works.

"We are all hoping and expecting that will be the case."