Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is adamant that he did not tell Emile Heskey to quit international football.

On his return from South Africa after featuring in England's disastrous World Cup campaign, the 32-year-old former Liverpool, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic striker opted to call time on his international career.

However, O'Neill insists:"No-one at the football club forced Emile to retire from international football. That was a decision he made all on his own. He feels now that international football is something he can do without.

"There are weeks when you've got the international breaks that you can rest. In that sense he will see that there is a benefit.

"But international football shouldn't really have any effect on your club form – apart from not getting a break."

Meanwhile, O'Neill remains optimistic about his side's hopes for the season, adding:"I don't think there will be too many players at the club who can complain about not getting chances to play.

"When you get them, you've got to grasp them. We've got Emile, John Carew, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Nathan Delfouneso and young Andreas Weimann who I think has got a chance."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email