Bent targets England recall

Sunderland's in-form striker Darren Bent says that he will continue to try to impress, having been overlooked for the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The 25-year-old has scored seven goals in eight games for the Black Cats since his summer move from Tottenham Hotspur, but has still not found favour with England head coach Fabio Capello for the games with Ukraine and Belarus.

Bent told the Sunderland Echo: "I've given a good account of myself on Saturday, but I've been knocking them in all season and have yet to get a call-up.

"I just have to keep knocking on the door with my performances for Sunderland. I'll just have to keep banging them in.

"I'm in good form, my confidence is high and I feel I can score goals at any level. This won't knock my confidence.

"Everything seems to be flying in, which I always knew would happen if I got given games regularly.

"Since joining Sunderland it has been fantastic. The manager has shown real faith in me and hopefully I can keep repaying him.

"The manager worked so hard to get me here, I've joined a strong squad and the backing we're all getting from the supporters is fantastic."