Dyer eager for Ipswich impression

The Newcastle United star took a difficult decision to pull out of an England triple-header against Slovakia, South Africa and Serbia-Montenegro, but believes the decision has been justified.

"It was a tough decision to pull out of the squad but I am convinced it was the right one in the long term," said Dyer.

"I played more than 40 games last season having gone straight into pre-season training after the World Cup. By the end my shins were giving me a lot of pain.

"Nobody likes missing games but I spoke to Bobby Robson and Sven Goran Eriksson and we decided complete rest was the only way the problem was going to clear up properly.

"And it's done the trick. I played in all our games pre-season games and I've not felt a thing."

Dyer was a hero at Ipswich before his move to Newcastle, and is pleased that the town has been given the honour of staging an international.

"It will be a massive night for the town. I grew up there so it will be special for me, added Dyer.

And it's my first England game since we beat Turkey last spring so I'm out to make an impact."