Queens Park Rangers newcomer Joey Barton sees no reason why he cannot break into the England squad.
QPR new boy still has international ambitions
Queens Park Rangers newcomer Joey Barton sees no reason why he cannot break into the England squad.
Barton starred for Newcastle last term but was released by the club after falling out with the St James' Park hierarchy with a very public row over transfer policy.
Three Lions boss Fabio Capello said earlier this summer that the controversial midfielder, who won his one and only cap in 2007, was 'too dangerous' to be considered for an international recall.
QPR boss Neil Warnock disagrees with the Italian, stating recently that he thinks the 28-year deserves to be considered for next month's Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro.
Barton, who was named captain for his QPR debut against Newcastle on Monday, thinks he still can cut it at the top level.
Capello's young team impressed in hammering Bulgaria 3-0 two weeks ago, but a nervous performance in the 1-0 win over Wales shows the Three Lions still have much to prove.
Barton watched England play Bulgaria and, despite the performance in Sofia, thinks he can still do a better job.
Something to offer
Speaking in his programme notes ahead of the clash with his former club Newcastle at Loftus Road, Barton said: "I feel that I have got something to offer England. I'm the eternal optimist - and not without reason.
"I watched England in Bulgaria the other night and I didn't see any reason why I can't get back into that side.
"I have to do my job for QPR first, but if I'm doing the business on a Saturday, that gives me the ability to push myself into the reckoning. That's all I can take care of at the minute.
"I need to get it right on the pitch and I need to start making waves for this football club. If good enough and selected, I'll be proud and more than happy to represent my country.
"But the main thing for me is making sure this football club is stabilised in the Premier League, in return that helps us build a good squad and challenge at some point."
