Wednesday 6 May 2015 08:34, UK
West Brom striker Saido Berahino says he is focused on making Gareth Southgate's England Under-21 squad for this summer's European U21 Championship and could work well alongside Harry Kane.
Berahino is yet to win a full international cap, having been an unused substitute for England after being selected for the European Qualifier with Slovenia and the friendly against Scotland last year.
That remains a long-term ambition but Berahino is keen to enjoy a positive finish to the Premier League season with the Baggies before hopefully playing his part for England U21s as they aim to secure some silverware in the Czech Republic this June.
"I was pleased to get selected and it always keeps that desire in you to keep pushing to make the next squad," Berahino said of his international call-up by Roy Hodgson in an interview with Sky Sports News HQ.
"For the moment, I am just focused on making the England U21 squad, having a good summer and making sure we win that tournament.
"It's a great opportunity for all the lads who will be involved in the U21s and that’s one of the reasons I want to finish the season strongly."
Berahino could be starting alongside PFA Young Player of the Year Kane this summer, and feels they would work well together, if selected.
"We have played together at U19 level and he is a great player, a great finisher. He brings something different to the team," he added.
"Any striker I play up front with I will be able to play and perform with, though. I just want to contribute as much as I can and get some results with the U21s."
As for his club side, Berahino feels he has improved under West Brom head coach Tony Pulis, both on and off the field.
The striker was dropped to the bench - described as the 'naughty step' by Pulis - for the game with Burnley in February after giving an unsanctioned interview in which he said he wanted to leave The Hawthorns to join a bigger club.
But the 21-year-old insists he enjoys a positive relationship with Pulis and talks to him on a regular basis.
"He has always kept me on the straight and narrow to make me focus on my football and keep playing and enjoying it," said Berahino.
"We have good one-to-one chats together and I think it was just an expression he had.
"Everyone knows how Tony Pulis is as a person. He’s a bit old school but it's old school that works."
Berahino spoke to Sky Sports News HQ at the launch of the Saido Berahino Foundation at a gala benefit in London.
