Bent excited by 'special' game

Spurs striker looking to make international impression

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 17th November 2008

darren bent england

Bent: Back in the fold

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Darren Bent is hoping to be given a chance to shine for England against Germany on Wednesday.

The Tottenham striker has been in impressive form domestically this season, scoring seven goals in 13 Premier League appearances.

Appearing to be back to his best, a number of eye-catching displays have earned him an international recall after 12 months in the wilderness.

Having forced his way back into the fold, Bent is now striving for an opportunity to test himself in a glamour clash which always catches the imagination.

"England against Germany are always good games to play in so, for me, I feel I have something to prove," he said.

"If I get the chance to prove myself then I'm up for the challenge.

"To be involved in a game like this is special."

Stronger

Bent has often been deployed as a lone front-man at White Hart Lane this season, and the 24-year-old believes his ability to play that role so successfully has helped him to catch Fabio Capello's eye.

"I'm used to playing up front one my own so that's helped," he added.

"It's made me a stronger person and I'm definitely a better player than the last time I was in the squad.

"You never take anything for granted, so as long as I can kept on scoring consistently for Tottenham then I hoped Fabio would see it and I would get a recall. Thankfully that's happened."

Honour

Bent's last appearance for England came under the tenure of Steve McClaren, and the Spurs ace admits that Capello's arrival in the national hot-seat has helped to make the set-up more 'professional'.

"It's different to what it used to be," he said.

"It's always an honour to be here and play for your country. The training is perhaps more intense and it's a bit more professional, but it's been brilliant since I've been here."

The clash with Germany in Berlin on Wednesday has been met by derision from certain Premier League managers, with concerns expressed over mounting fixture lists.

However, Bent believes every player welcomes any opportunity they get to represent their country.

"There is no better honour than playing for your country," he said.

"Some managers probably disagree, but to the players you always want to play. So the more games the better because everyone wants to pick up caps."