Steve Sidwell hopes Aston Villa teammate Emile Heskey decides to stay at Villa Park.

Heskey has gone back on claims he may quit Villa in January over fears of losing his World Cup place.

Sidwell told The Times: "He's obviously used to playing regularly for club and country for his entire career. But this just goes to show the strength we've got in the squad. Whether he said it or not, he's a strong character, Emile. As the manager said, everyone will be used."