Martin O'Neill expects swift recovery for Emile Heskey

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill insists he is not overly concerned about Emile Heskey after the striker suffered a recurrence of a back problem.

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O'Neill: Villa must make more finals.

Heskey missed Villa's 5-1 win over Bolton on Saturday after damaging his back in the 2-2 draw with West Ham the previous Wednesday, and O'Neill says the problem is longstanding. However, while he admits he does not know what is causing the issue, O'Neill feels it is manageable.

"It's not a serious problem which will keep Emile out for weeks," he said. "I know Emile from the past. He's had an ongoing back problem throughout his time. It comes up now and again and it gets very stiff and it obstructs him, but overall it's not a monumentally difficult thing and we're trying to get to the bottom of it."

Defender James Collins is also out of action after suffering a groin strain at Upton Park, but O'Neill is confident he will be back after the international break.

"James saw the game through against West Ham but he was struggling in the last 20-25 minutes of the match," he said. "He had a scan taken that showed up something and we're hoping that the rest will do him the world of good."