Young Heskey aims to step out of dad's shadow with Blues

"IT'S the normal," says one of the latest City academy strikers catching attention in describing his upbringing.

- JOE BRAY

Yet few would agree with him because not many youngsters at the City Football Academy can say their dad won 62 England caps and played hundreds of times in the top flight. Some example to follow.

"I don't know how to describe it.

I've got used to it," continues Jaden Heskey - son of Emile. He is caught in a tricky situation where he will always be his father's son, but must also try and forge his own path in the game.

Jaden was made under-18 captain at City last season but injuries saw him promoted to the under-21s ahead of schedule while dropping back to help the youth team win the FA Youth Cup, scoring in the final. He is a permanent fixture in the Elite Development squad with two goals and an assist in 12 appearances so far this term, mainly in midfield after playing exclusively as a number nine in his career to date.