Simpson excited by England talk

Simpson: Flattered

Newcastle defender Danny Simpson is flattered by talk linking him with a call-up to the England squad.

"It is nice to hear. Any Englishman would like to play for England. I would love to, after my injury and a few games, it is especially nice to hear people talking about me as a possible England player"
. Danny Simpson on England rumours Quotes of the week

It has been suggested Simpson could be in line for a surprise call-up for next week's friendly with France.

The former Manchester United man is believed to have caught the eye of England coach Fabio Capello in recent weeks and, with the Italian short of options at right-back, he is ready to turn his attentions to Simpson.

Simpson is delighted to be mentioned for international honours, but he is refusing to get carried away by the speculation.

"There's not many English right-backs around in this league, so it wouldn't be that much of a shock," Simpson told The Journal.

"People have always said to me if you do well you might get an England call. It has always been in the back of my mind.

"I have only been back in three or four games, but a few right-backs have retired. Glen Johnson is still around but he has been injured.

Nice to hear

"It is nice to hear. Any Englishman would like to play for England. I would love to, after my injury and a few games, it is especially nice to hear people talking about me as a possible England player.

"You can't get carried away, England people have been to watch Andy and a couple of others who have been doing well, so it is nice to hear my name.

"It would be nice if it wasn't just a rumour. I don't think anyone will find out until Friday or Saturday. It would be great, especially with Andy doing well, if we had one in the squad, never mind two.

"I am fortunate I have come back in to a team that has been performing well and England representatives have been watching. If your team is performing well you are going to perform well with them. There is me, Joey (Barton), Andy, it is nice to hear.

Rumours

"Before the game on Wednesday there were rumours which the lads had all heard. It is nice to have that recognition. You just have to keep your head down and not get carried away by anything.

"Last season I didn't feel as good as I have this season. I sorted that out, worked on my fitness, got back in the team. Playing behind Joey has worked well, he has really helped me.

"I have never played for the Under 21s. I wasn't playing week in and week out at 19 and 20, so it would be extra special for me to be involved next week. At the moment, though, it's just rumours. I'll have to wait and see like everybody else."