Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey remains hopeful of making Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

Heskey has had an up-and-down season at Aston Villa, and Capello preferred Jermain Defoe and then two-goal Peter Crouch to partner Rooney during the 3-1 win over Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday.

But Heskey can point to his vast experience - 57 caps - and the productive link-up with Rooney in the past as reasons why he should be part of Capello's plans this summer.

Heskey has seldom fired on all cylinders for Villa this season because of injury niggles and admitted: "I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be going to the World Cup.

"I have been to a World Cup, and been through it all, so hopefully that can prove helpful. There is experience in the squad and we have players who have been to tournaments.

"Some went to the last World Cup and had a good run there and a few others were at the one I went to in 2002 in Japan so we have that in our locker.

"That can only help to make sure we are prepared."