Emile Heskey is relishing the challenge of trying to help Aston Villa clinch UEFA Champions League qualification.
The England international joined Villa from Wigan last week and netted the winning goal in Tuesday's victory over Portsmouth.
Villa are currently third in the Premier League table, just three points behind leaders Manchester United and six points above fifth-placed Arsenal.
The Gunners, United, Chelsea and Liverpool have dominated English football in recent years but Heskey believes Villa can finish in the top four.
Having worked with Martin O'Neill earlier in his career, Heskey feels Villa are in the right hands to mount a strong challenge.
He said: "It's nice to score on your debut because it can be difficult settling into a new club.
"But I've had some great times with some great clubs including with Martin at Leicester and I'm sure it's going to be the same here at Villa.
"Sooner or later someone is going to break up the (established) big four and hopefully it will be Villa."
O'Neill has continued to play down expectations but the manager was once again thrilled with his side's display against Pompey.
He is excited to be a part of the title race, saying: "At least we are making it a bit interesting.
"And I'm delighted with how we are performing. The spirit in the side is first class.
"We've been without John Carew for two months and now Martin Laursen and Ashley Young are missing as well.
"If you had told me at the start of the season we would be doing so well without players like this then I'd just never have believed you."
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