EMILE Heskey hopes history can repeat itself as he prepares to renew acquaintance once again with Blackburn Rovers.

The former England striker’s one and only goal for Wanderers to date came in a memorable win at the Macron Stadium on Boxing Day.

Heskey has scored more goals against Rovers than any other opponent – his 11 strikes coming in 32 games, yielding just nine defeats.

And as he prepares for tonight’s televised clash at Ewood Park, the 37-year-old aims to use the statistics for inspiration as he tries to make more happy derby memories.

“That will be in my mind,” he told The Bolton News. “It’ll give me a nice boost.

“I’ve had some good times against Blackburn. That goal on my debut is one of the best.

“It was everything on the day, the crowd, the atmosphere, the wonderful pass from Eidur Gudjohnsen. It was very special.

“Hopefully on Friday we can put some more smiles on people’s faces like we did that day.”

Heskey’s partner in crime that afternoon, Icelandic legend Gudjohnsen, has since departed Wanderers to play his football in China.

But that hasn’t stopped the two golden oldies staying in touch and Heskey admits he was disappointed to see the former Chelsea and Barcelona star depart in the summer.

“I was sad to see him go,” Heskey said. “I still speak to him now. He’s a wonderful player but more importantly he’s a great person.

“He’s enjoying the next chapter of his adventure over there and I wish him all the best. I certainly enjoyed playing alongside him.”

Wanderers have struggled for goals so far this season but Heskey believes that stressing over the situation is only going to make it worse for Neil Lennon’s strike force.

“It hasn’t been easy,” he said. “But the positive thing is that we’re creating chances. If we were not doing that, I’d have to sit down and re-evaluate the way we were playing.

“It’s a little bit easier to see that bigger picture when you’re that bit more experienced like me. You can relax a little more and know that the goals will come eventually.

“When you’re younger it can get to you. We do have a couple of younger strikers in Zach Clough and Gary Madine – but they are both excellent players and they have no need to worry; goals will come.”

There is no time like the present, and Heskey would love to see Wanderers hit the goal trail at Ewood tonight.

“I love playing in derbies,” he said. “They’re big for the players and especially for the supporters.

“You know if you do something good in a derby that people will talk about it for a long time, so it would be great to score again in this one.

“But the result is the most important thing for us right now.

“I think we’re playing well but maybe haven’t got what we deserved out of some of our games so far. You have to hold in there and believe that luck will change.”