Heskey has been struggling with a back problem for the last few weeks and has been playing through the pain barrier.

Bruce is determined to have the England international back to full fitness as he believes Heskey will be pivotal to their chances of staying up.

"We need all our big players, especially Emile, fully fit and firing between now and the end of the season," Bruce said.

"It's been a bit of a vicious circle for him of late because he's been managing to play but then he's not been able to train for three or four days.

"We've let a specialist have a look at him.

"I can't stress the importance for the need for Emile to stay fit  and perform because he is such a vital and influential player."