Tom Ince focused on Blackpool as transfer speculation swirls
Tom Ince remains focused on Blackpool amid transfer speculation and claims to have benefitted from tough U21 experience.
Last Updated: 13/11/12 9:38am
The highly-rated midfielder continues to be linked with a switch to the Premier League ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window in the New Year.
Ince is aware of the rumours, with such talk having followed him around for some time, but he has learnt to ignore the gossip.
"I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Blackpool," said Ince, who joined the Seasiders from Liverpool in 2011.
"I've been given the opportunity to play week in, week out at a very high level in the Championship.
"It is flattering to have all that interest. It's great - it shows you are playing good football and are in good form. But at the moment my focus is on playing for Blackpool."
Ince's immediate focus is actually on an England U21 clash with Northern Ireland at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday, with the Young Lions set to take to the field for the first time since being caught up in unsightly scenes and a racism row during a European Championship play-off tie in Serbia.
Asked if the atmosphere Stuart Pearce's side faced on a now infamous night was the most hostile he has ever faced, Ince said: "Personally, as a player, yes.
"But although it maybe wasn't a great experience, it was nice to know that I have experienced that kind of football in that country."
Strong
He added: "We knew it was going to be hostile, but we all went out there together, stood strong, helped each other and we were with each other 100 per cent.
"There is not one person who would want to have to deal with that situation again and you just have to make sure you are in the right frame of mind when those situations do come.
"I think everyone in an England shirt did that."