Heskey says he'll score for Jets

Despite a strike rate of one goal every 4.6 games in English football in his time with Leicester City, Liverpool, Birmingham, Wigan and Villa, the 34-year-old says he will be a force for his new club the Jets.

"Yeah definitely [I can be a force up front]," Heskey told Fox Sports on Wednesday.

"Everyone always says 'you didn't get enough goals, you didn't get enough goals'.

"But I'll get my fair share of goals plus I will help produce a lot of goals, that is one of the main things that I do.

"But I will get my fair share of goals given the opportunity."

Heskey, who also managed only seven goals in 62 appearance for England, admits he was "umming and ahhing" when first approached to join the A-League, but seeing Sydney FC snag superstar recruit Alessandro Del Piero influenced his decision to make the long trek to Australia.

"Obviously I saw when he signed the impact that he had and how important it was for the league, and how important it was for the club," Heskey said.

"So yeah, seeing that and putting yourself up against someone like that and enjoying yourself in a new country [all played a part]."

Heskey, who admits he "doesn't know too much" about the A-League, said fellow Englishman and former North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory striker Robbie Fowler also helped get him across the line.

But Heskey said a big drawcard was the chance to help in the development of younger players.

"I spoke to Robbie Fowler about it and he absolutely loves it and he said I'd enjoy myself over there," he said.

"I'm hoping to have a positive impact. I'm told there are a lot of young'ns so I'm hoping to help them progress and give them a little bit of experience.

"Knowing that this is a league that is on the up and is trying to build ... was one of the reasons that made me think I might be able to help out with my experience and help some of the younger lads."

Heskey, who is still an uncertainty to play in Newcastle's opening game against Adelaide on October 7, will arrive in Australia with his family on Friday.