David Bentley has insisted that he is still good enough to play for England.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is hoping to secure a place back in the national team by impressing during his loan spell with FC Rostov.
Bentley joined the Russian side after falling down the pecking order at White Hart Lane. The 28-year-old has made just 48 appearances for Spurs since joining from Blackburn Rovers for £15m in 2008.
"I thought the new manager might give me a chance but there's probably been too much water under the bridge already," he told The Mirror.
"England was another thing that came tumbling down at Tottenham. I still believe I can play at that level but I've just got to be given the chance to play regularly again.
"I looked at the call-ups this week and felt I've still got a chance. I don't think what happened was over hype or anything. I handled it, but suddenly the spotlight is on you. You've got to be able to handle it. I always felt I did."
Bentley, who has seven caps for England, completed previous loan stints with Birmingham City and West Ham United.
Mark Langshaw
