SAM Allardyce believes Emile Heskey will revel in his new role as Birmingham's front line striker.

The England man has been left to shoulder much of the goalscoring responsibility following the news that loan star Mikael Forssell could be out for the season after undergoing a knee operation this week.

Allardyce believes that could be to Wanderers' advantage at the Reebok on Saturday - Heskey is doubtful with an ankle injury he picked up in midweek - but, in the long term, he expects Heskey to prosper at St Andrew's, following his £6.25 million summer transfer from Liverpool.

"Emile Heskey will be a godsend for Birmingham," the Bolton boss said, reflecting on the events that have added to Steve Bruce's early-season frustrations.

"He'll go out and play for Steve and be happy with his football.

"He didn't look happy on the left or the right for Liverpool but he'll be playing up front for Birmingham every week and he'll be all the better for that."

Finland international Forssell was an instant success during his first loan season at St Andrews, scoring 19 goals and helping City to a top-10 finish in the Premiership. But he had been hampered by a knee problem since the start of the season and surgery on Tuesday raised fears that he could be out for the rest of the season.

Allardyce envied his old pal, Bruce, for securing such a talented striker as Forssell on loan - admiration that proved justified last season when the young Finn scored in both games as Birmingham did the double over Wanderers.