HESKEY STRIKING RIGHT NOTE

Heskey - praised by Capello.

Fabio Capello has hailed Emile Heskey's impact on the England team and believes the back-in-favour striker can help to get the best out of Wayne Rooney.

Theo Walcott has claimed all the headlines since his stunning hat-trick during the 4-1 win over Croatia in Zagreb in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.

But significantly Rooney was also back to his best, ending an 11-month international scoring drought and laying on two of Walcott's goals.

Head coach Capello believes Heskey deserves immense credit for his contribution to a victory which puts England in pole position to qualify for the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Heskey had shown his worth last autumn in partnering Michael Owen in 3-0 wins against Israel and Russia at Wembley, before crucially being injured and missing the end of England's Euro 2008 qualification campaign.

But Capello admits he took time to recall the Wigan player.

"I am very happy with Heskey. He played very well against Croatia. He is a very good forward," said the Italian.

"Can he get the best out of Rooney? Yes - and not only Rooney but all of the team. Sometimes when we have problems, we can play the long ball to Heskey and he can deal with it.

"He has good ball control and can help the team go forward.

"Did I pay attention to his performances against Israel and Russia last autumn? No, I followed Heskey for three games. He played left; he played left wing, right-wing but never as a forward - never.

"For this reason, I never chose him until now."

Rooney's return to form will be a welcome relief following the virus he suffered during Manchester United's pre-season trip to Nigeria in late July.

Capello said: "I am very happy with Rooney.

"Some players like Rooney need more time to find good form physically. On Wednesday, I saw Rooney fit physically. This is important because he ran a lot, he was fast and the movement was different.

"When he is not in good condition physically, he is not the same player. When he is he scores a goal, runs a lot, shows good movement.

"He had a virus for two weeks in South Africa, but some of the players also take a while to get in full flow."

Capello is not getting carried away with England's start to their qualifying campaign - six points from their opening two games - and insists they have to continue to improve.

He said: "We have just started. We have played two games away, six points.

"We have to be better. We are happy with two wins, and it was an important win in Croatia.

"But also in Belarus and the Ukraine will be tough games - and we have to work to improve."