O'Neill hopeful on Heskey

Heskey: Back problem

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has played down concerns about Emile Heskey's back problem.

The striker sustained the injury in Villa's defeat to West Ham last Wednesday and has not recovered in time to play for England against Brazil.

However, O'Neill does not believe the latest setback is too severe and hopes to have Heskey back in action sooner rather than later.

"It's not a serious problem which will keep Emile out for weeks," said O'Neill.

"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."

Collins

O'Neill is also optimistic central defender James Collins will recover quickly from a groin injury he picked up at Upton Park.

Collins has had a scan and will miss Wales' weekend clash with Scotland but O'Neill is not too worried about the situation.

"It's a groin strain. James saw the game through against West Ham but he was struggling in the last 20-25 minutes of the match," explained the manager.

"He had a scan taken that showed up something and we're hoping that the rest will do him the world of good."