The Mirror says McClaren was choked to find that Wigan's born-again striker had broken a metatarsal just days after helping his country to their double triumph over Israel and Russia.

And the concerned coach rang Heskey in hospital to send him his best wishes and remind him that he will not be heading back into international exile.

A pal of Heskey's said last night: "Emile was really low after the injury, but he was touched by Steve McClaren going to those lengths. He was one of the first on the mobile to him."