By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: <a href='http://bit.ly/lRx0Da' class='instorylink'>@skygraemebailey</a>
Sunday 20 November 2011 13:31, UK
Image:Darren Bent: Wants to make England place his own
Darren Bent says he is looking to follow the example of Scott Parker by becoming an England regular.
Aston Villa star has sights set on being England regular
Darren Bent says he is looking to follow the example of Scott Parker by becoming an England regular.
Bent has never been to a major tournament with England after missing out on the squads for the World Cup finals in 2006 and 2010.
But he is now emerging in Fabio Capello's squad and he is hopeful he can follow on from Parker and establish himself as a regular.
"There are a lot of similarities, he's got in the team at roughly the same time I have and really got the bit between his teeth," Bent said of Parker.
"He has basically said, 'I'm going to hang on to this shirt' - and so have I.
"We are slightly older but in terms of caps and experience we're still breaking through.
"It's weird because I feel like an older player but feel like a youngster at the same time.
"I am just getting my chances lately and I have to hold on to them.
"Maybe Scott is in the same situation as me.
"He is playing really well at the minute and has been in unbelievable form, deservedly winning the Football Writers' Player of the Year award.
"Scott is probably a regular in the England starting XI now, let alone the squad."
