Whelan: Heskey will bounce back

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The 29-year-old, who performed with such distinction against Israel and Russia last week after his recall by Steve McClaren, limped off just nine minutes into Wigan's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Fulham on Saturday

However, Whelan is confident Heskey will quickly get over his disappointment. "He will bounce back, he's that kind of lad. Nothing worries him," he said.

The former Liverpool frontman was taken to hospital for a scan and his worst fears were confirmed. He now seems certain to miss his country's clashes with Estonia and Russia next month.

Whelan added: "It is bad luck, we are all aware of that. We were shocked. He just jumped up in the air and came down on his ankle.

"To do that is such bad luck, bad for Wigan, bad for England. But England seem to be having quite a bit of bad luck at present with injuries.

"Hopefully we will come through it and beat Russia."

Heskey's partnership with former Liverpool team-mate Michael Owen was a major factor in England's back-to-back 3-0 Euro qualifier wins, which revived their hopes of making next summer's finals.

However, he now faces six weeks on the sidelines, and that is a blow to both club and country.

Whelan told Sky Sports News: "He played out of his skin - but he does that every week for Wigan Athletic. It was Sod's Law. He was playing so well and then he breaks a bone in the first five minutes. It's been a fantastic week, but a disappointing end."