Aston Villa defender James Collins has hailed in-form Emile Heskey.
The 32-year-old scored once and set up two goals in the Carling Cup win over Blackburn last week.
And he headed a superb winner in yesterday's Premier League victory over Wolves at Molineux.
Collins said: "Emile was brilliant at Wolves. Whenever he has been called upon to play, either starting or playing, he has always made an impact. I thought he was superb and that goal topped off a first class performance.
"He gets a lot of stick off fans but you ask any player who has played with him or trains in the same team as him what they think of him. They have got nothing but good things to say about him. He is a superb professional and a superb footballer and good to have on your team."
Collins added: "Emile is a players' player. I wouldn't fancy playing against him week in and week out. He has shown it over the years at every club he has been at. He scores goals.
"He is a real team player, puts his body on the line for the team. It is good to see him getting his rewards."