Reigan Heskey returns to 1. FC Köln’s senior matchday group for the Rhine derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach after a productive England Under-19 break. The 18-year-old winger has had little club football since arriving from Manchester City in the summer, but scored against the United States and now has an opening with Köln short of centre-forwards.
England minutes bring a goal
Heskey featured throughout England Under-19s’ recent international series and made his mark immediately against the USA, scoring the opening goal in the first minute of a 2-1 win.
- He started the 1-0 victory over Ireland.
- He came on for 20 minutes in the 2-1 win against Norway.
- He played the final 30 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
- He scored in the first minute of the 2-1 victory over the United States.
The run has given Heskey competitive rhythm after a quiet start in Köln colours.
A slow start after City move
Köln signed the left-sided attacker from Manchester City on a five-year contract. Sporting director Thomas Kessler described the son of former England international Emile Heskey as one of the strongest attacking players in his age group on the international stage.
The plan was for him to develop behind Said El Mala, who has become a regular and a new Germany international. The move from City’s Under-21 side to Köln’s first-team environment was always expected to require time.
- Heskey has played 16 Bundesliga minutes, appearing in the 4-1 loss to VfB Stuttgart.
- He logged 70 minutes for Köln’s Under-21 team in a 2-1 defeat to Bergisch Gladbach in the Regionalliga West.
- His total club playing time stands at 86 minutes.
- He had subsequently been left out of Köln matchday squads and watched from the stands.
Wagner sees an exceptional profile
Under-21 coach René Wagner has highlighted Heskey’s directness, pace and willingness to take on defenders. The winger looks to drive towards goal rather than stay wide.
“Reigan is an exceptional player,” Wagner said. “His profile and potential are such that there is virtually no ceiling.”
Derby squad place opens up
Köln are without both recognised centre-forwards for the meeting with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Ragnar Ache has a muscle injury, while Thijs Dallinga is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear.
Marius Bülter is the leading option to operate centrally. That reshuffle creates room in the squad for Heskey, who is expected to return to the bench. A late attacking role is possible, with Köln keen for the England youth international to take the opportunity.
