Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has backed teammates Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor to have England futures.

"Both players have huge potential and nobody should be writing them off," said the England striker. "You have to remember Gabby is only 22, for instance, and this is only his second or third season. Because he's younger, he can get mentally a little bit drained. It happens like that.

"But he's still doing well and he's still got many years to go in his career so he can improve. I hope he and Ashley can finish the season strongly for Villa and England.

"Ashley is one of the best young players around. He hasn't quite made the breakthrough for England but on the wing we've so much competition, it's very difficult for him.

"If he keeps playing the way he has, you won't be able to keep him out, though."