Monday 8 September 2014 19:26, UK
Norway international Joshua King has admitted to growing frustrated by a lack of regular starts at Blackburn Rovers.
The 22-year-old forward was included from the off by his country on Wednesday as they slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat to England at Wembley.
He has, however, had to make do with sporadic outings at club level.
King has started league and cup fixtures against Blackpool and Scunthorpe United, but has all too often found himself rooted to the bench.
He said following his international outing in midweek: “I did a very good pre-season and was surprised when I did not start the first match of the season against Cardiff.
“I came back from holiday in good shape and heard from people in the team that I was one of the very best players in the running.
“It is very frustrating. The situation in Blackburn is very strange.
“Had I scored a hat-trick at Wembley, it is still not certain I would start for Blackburn in the next match.
“The coach has his reasons. I just have to respect them and keep working hard.”
King admits he looked to use an outing at the home of English football as a window to the world, with there less than a year left to run on his current contract at Ewood Park.
The former Manchester United trainee, who joined Blackburn on a permanent basis in January 2013, added: “When I learned that I would start, I realised that I had the chance to show me up.
“I knew that all of England would look at the game.
“Had I scored, it would have been even better, but hopefully I just saved a goal for the Italy match.”
