The former England striker had only a bit-part role to play during the second half of last season following the arrival of club-record signing Darren Bent in January.
The 33-year-old was linked with a move to his first club, Leicester, during the summer but McLeish is happy to retain the services of Heskey, who is in the final year of his current contract.
Experienced: Alex McLeish says his plans to tap into Emile Heskey's knowledge
McLeish said: 'Emile's experience is phenomenal. He has enormous experience. He has played for England, he has played for several top managers over the years so he has learnt a lot.
'Discarding his kind of knowledge and his skills would be crazy. I have to tap into a guy like that. I have to use him to the full.
'There is no guarantee that Emile will play every week - but he has certainly impressed me.'
Heskey regained his spot initially after Gerard Houllier's arrival as manager last season but Bent's ?18million capture saw him revert to being a back-up player.
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail