Former England striker Emile Heskey is looking forward to linking up with Michael Bridges in his first A-League game for the Newcastle Jets.
Former Liverpool star Heskey, who has signed a $1 million, one-year deal with the Jets, came up against ex-Leeds forward Bridges regularly when both were playing in the English Premier League.
And Heskey says he can’t wait to be paired up in the forward pack with his friend and former under-18 England teammate Bridges.
“It is great to play with Bridgey again after so many years. I played with him in the under 18s as well,” Heskey said on arrival at Hunter Stadium on Friday.
Bridges was instrumental in signing Heskey and was at Sydney Airport early on Friday morning, with Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby, to collect their 34-year-old import and his family.
The rest of the Jets and coach Gary van Egmond were waiting at the stadium.
Van Egmond said he was excited by what the Englishman can bring to his youthful side.
“We have been looking for someone who will be able to lead the line. He is an out and out No.9,” he said.
“Our challenge will be to make sure we don’t push him too hard too early.
“We were definitely looking to get that No.9 with the characteristics that Emile has.
“He fits the bill on the football field and he fits the bill off the football field.”
Van Egmond was not giving too much away in regards to his plans for Heskey’s A-League debut against Adelaide on October 7.
“Is it going to be best to bring him off the bench or start him? I don’t know. We will know more about that closer to the game,” he said.
Heskey, who joins the Jets after having played 28 Premier League games for Aston Villa last season, endured his first training session on Friday and said he was certain he would be able to adapt to playing in Australia’s heat and humidity.
“I am sure I will get used to it very quickly. It is better than England,” he said.
“I spoke to Robbie (Fowler, who played for North Queensland Perth) about everything and he said I would be able to make the adjustment.”
Impressed with his new teammates, Heskey quickly set his sights on securing silverware for the club.
“There is a lot of talent. Hopefully I can slot in and do well,” he said.
“I have never set myself goals. I just want to do well and hopefully win some trophies.”
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