Heskey has been impressed with the likes of Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and James Milner since his arrival from Wigan Athletic in January, and thinks they will have learnt a lot from the ultimately unsuccessful Champions League place.

still learning

He told the club's official website: "We have some young lads in the squad - the likes of Gabby, Ashley and James - and they will have gained a lot of experience from this campaign.

"We have been pushing the big clubs and even though the chance of fourth didn't materialise for us - it will mean they have that experience in the locker in the coming seasons.

"If we get in this position again, they will have the know-how and the experience that is so, so important.

"You have to respect they are still young and they are still learning the game - they certainly have times on their sides."

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