Emile Heskey: 'Playing in Australia is a privilege'

Former England international Emile Heskey has said that he feels privileged to be playing in Australia's A-League.

The 35-year-old forward, who joined Newcastle Jets in September 2012, has scored eight goals since moving down under.

"The reception for all the marquee players in this league seems to be exceptional," Heskey told the Daily Mail.

"It's been amazing because the main thing that people say is 'thank you for coming here'.

"It seems a bit crazy that they think like that, it's a bit of a privilege to be playing here in that respect."

Heskey was capped 62 times at senior international level between 1999 and 2010, scoring seven goals for the Three Lions.