EMILE Heskey has still got plenty left in the tank – even at the grand old age of 97!

Neil Lennon might have had his tongue planted firmly in cheek when he paid tribute to his veteran front man, whose real age is a much more sprightly 38.

But the Wanderers boss insists if he can keep the former England international free from injuries this season, he can still be a potent weapon in the Championship, just as he proved with a storming cameo against Derby County on Saturday.

Heskey rolled back the years at the Macron Stadium, hitting the post with a header and producing some outstanding touches in a thrilling finale.

And Lennon hopes he can use his former Leicester City team-mate to maximum effect this season after he penned a new 12-month deal.

“He’s still got it – there are still bits and pieces of his game that are really, really good,” said the Wanderers boss.

“Listen, he’s 38, and he’s done the majority of the stuff pre-season.

“He’s got the bit between his teeth, he’s signed a new contract, and he’s one of those players I know I can trust.

“He’s had a few wee niggles and we’re still trying to get him up to speed but he’s a great foil for Gary Madine as back-up.

“We still need some strength in depth, we’re short in a couple of little areas, but with Emile I know what I’ve got. If we can keep him fit, he’s an asset.”

Heskey had trained for much of pre-season without a contract but Lennon says there was no point he felt the striker would be leaving the club.

“Phil (Gartside) was resolute that he’d get the contract,” he explained. “We promised him one – and it was resolved. He’s in a good place now.

“He’s surprised me. He’s like anyone else, you get the benefit of a good pre-season and it really helps, so we’re hoping he’s still going strong by October-November and fingers-crossed, he will.”

Lennon has also thrown the door open to some of the players who were not regarded as regulars last season to prove their worth this time around.

Jay Spearing returned with a bang against the Rams – albeit one tempered by his late red card.

But the likes of Liam Feeney, Dorian Dervite and Dean Moxey have also had solid pre-seasons, starting the season back in the first team.

“The gauntlet is there for them – why should I have to look elsewhere when they’ve shown me that they are capable of this now?” Lennon said.

“I’m not expecting that level every single week but I’d like to think they can get close to it.”