Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has been buoyed by recent words of encouragement from England coach Fabio Capello.
The 23-year-old was overlooked for World Cup duty by the Italian following a season where he scored 16 goals in 46 appearances for the Midlands club.
However, Agbonlahor was recently identified by Capello as one of the new breed of player he might turn to following England’s dismal performance in South Africa.
“It was nice to hear what Mr Capello said and it gives you a boost ahead of the new season,” said Agbonlahor, who was won three full England caps to date.
“But what I need to do is show him that I deserve it. I want to get off to a good start, have a good season and get back in the England squad.
“I’ve been involved before but missed out on the World Cup. It’s not easy for the manager, because he can only pick 23 players, but I want to get back amongst it.
“If you ask me and some of the other lads who didn’t get into the squad, you have to take a look at yourself and question if you did enough to make it.
“There will be tough competition and younger players trying to get into the squad. I want to be one of them.”
Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email