Steve Bruce, the Wigan Athletic manager, has put Emile Heskey's continued revival down to the benefit of improved fitness.

Having returned from three years in the international wilderness last year, Heskey has cemented his place in the England side by helping Fabio Capello's men to victories over Kazakhstan and Belarus.

At 30, Heskey has found probably the form of his life this season - and Bruce believes his remarkable renaissance is just reward for his forward's work in the gym.

"It's quite staggering what's happened to him over the last few weeks, and I think a lot of it's got to come down to the condition that Emile's got himself in," Bruce said.

"He's possibly in the best condition he's been in all his life; he's obviously enjoying his football and he's reaping the rewards of it.

He added: "You're more experienced, so you know how to prepare better. His physical condition is magnificent. He's been like that for a good while but not been tip-top like he is right now. Only he can take the plaudits for that - for all the work he does in the gym, outside of playing and with his diet."

Heskey's contract runs out next summer and the ex-Leicester and Birmingham City striker has hinted at a move and spoke of his desire to play Champions League football again.

"It's great that we've got an England centre-forward playing for Wigan," Bruce added. "Of course, the 'paper speculation now is that he's leaving us - that's the downside of it - but everybody involved with the club is delighted for him."

Meanwhile, Heskey is doubtful for tomorrow's trip to his former club Liverpool, having returned from international duty with a knock.

"Emile was in Thursday, and that shows his mental state; that he's making sure he prepares himself the best he can," Bruce said.

"He got a bit of a knock, unfortunately, but full credit to him. The kid's been a kicking block for years - but to have the mental strength to come through it and play his part is fantastic for him and a club like ours, who have played a big part in his rehabilitation."