Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey is determined to bounce back better than ever from his metatarsal injury.

Heskey, who has won 45 caps, told the Manchester Evening News: "I want to come back and put myself up against the best. What has happened has made me even more determined. It also makes things even more frustrating with England games coming up.

"Everything seemed to be on the up for me again and then this happened and knocked me back, but you have to pick yourself back up. I'm hoping to be available for selection for the game against Croatia towards the end of November, then it's up to the manager to see how I'm playing.

"I just have to be patient. The boot comes off this week and then I can put weight on my foot. When I had my operation they told me it will be between six to eight weeks. Once the boot comes off it might be healed quicker than first thought.

"Steve McClaren telephoned me when I sustained the injury and also when I had the operation, this shows I'm still in his plans."