Tottenham's David Bentley believes he can reignite his England career if given the chance to play regularly on loan at Russian side FC Rostov.
Midfielder not ready to give up on international career
Tottenham midfielder David Bentley believes he can reignite his England career if given the chance to play regularly on loan at Russian side FC Rostov.
Bentley was rated as an exciting young talent for England when he made his debut in 2007, with former manager Steve McClaren claiming he had the potential to become the "new David Beckham".
However the midfielder, who has seven Three Lions caps to his name, has not featured for his country since 2008, having slipped down the pecking order at Spurs under former boss Harry Redknapp.
The 28-year-old, who has made just 42 appearances in four years at White Hart Lane, recently joined Rostov on loan in hope of reviving his career.
Bentley believes if he impresses in Russia he could have a chance of returning to the international set-up.
Chance
He told the
Daily 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."
Bentley does not believe the abrupt downturn in his career was a result of the hype that surrounded him when he broke onto the international scene.
He said: "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."
