PETER CROUCH is refusing to give up on his international ambitions with England . . . after netting his third goal in as many games against Champions Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
The Potters record signing has been a consistent and impressive performer for the Club since making a record £10 million switch from Tottenham Hotspur just over twelve months ago - landing both the Player of the Year and Golden Boot at last season’s end of year awards dinner.
Despite his impressive form however, the 31-year-old, who has bagged nine goals in his last 17 games, has continued to be overlooked by both Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson, drawing many to the conclusion that his days as an England regular are numbered.
Speaking to stokecityfc.com following the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the weekend, the 31-year old said that whilst his primary focus was on maintaining his scoring run for Stoke, he admitted that would love another crack at the international scene.
"If I get a chance to play for my country again I'll grab it with both hands, of course I would. I’ve said it before but I had a great time playing for England and I think my record at that level is pretty decent.
“I'm not too concerned with it though, it’s not something that will affect how I play here at Stoke. I will just keep on doing what I have been doing, and if that results in a call up then that would be fantastic.
“It’s three goals in three games now, so obviously I am happy with that on a personal level. It’s not about me though, it’s about the squad we have here now. It is exciting times at the moment and I am enjoying myself here at Stoke.”
The striker was also quick to dispel rumours that he turned down the chance to be on Roy Hodgson’s standby list for last summer’s European Championship Finals in Poland and Ukraine.
"Obviously I was disappointed to be left out of the squad for the Euros,” he said. “I didn't have the opportunity to go and that was frustrating for me, because I thought I had done enough to get in the squad.
"It wasn't a case of being a standby, I think he (Roy Hodgson) wanted me to play in one of the friendlies and then go back home again.
"I'll be honest, I was disappointed not to be called up to the full squad. We had a conversation but I think that should remain between me and the manager."
He added: “I respect Roy though, and I’m sure he knows that I would never turn my back on my country. It is an honour to play for England, and I will certainly look back at those times as the best moments of my career.”