Bent still believes in England
Darren Bent is taking nothing for granted with England tomorrow night – despite the fact fellow striker Peter Crouch has not been replaced in the squad after his withdrawal through injury.
The decision not to replace the giant Spurs striker suggests that Bent has been earmarked for an important role in England's forthcoming games against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
But the Sunderland frontman has missed out on international opportunities before – controversially omitted from the squad for the past two World Cups – and says he will just keep his head down and see what happens.
"All I can do is keep going, keep believing in myself and keep scoring goals," he said. "I'm not going to give up on England because of what happened this summer.
"I just thought I've got to work even harder this year to get into the squad again.
"Everyone wants to play for their country.
"If the door's back open again I'll relish it and if I can get a piece of the game I'll be delighted."
On a club level, Bent is delighted with the 13m signing of powerful frontman Asamoah Gyan.
It's no secret that he prefers to play with a targetman if possible.
And with the sale of Martyn Waghorn to Leicester and injury to Fraizer Campbell it was imperative a new partner was found for Bent.
Campbell will be sidelined well into the New Year with cruciate ligament injuries sustained in Saturday's game against Manchester City and Bent feels for his friend.
He said: "It's unfortunate for Fraizer because he's had a fantastic pre-season where he's on fire, he's come into the season and done really well and then he's got a serious injury.
"It's disappointing, but hopefully Fraizer can get himself right and back as soon as possible."
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Weather for Sunderland
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
