Sunderland's Grant Leadbitter has admitted his frustration at again being overlooked by Stuart Pearce.
Sunderland youngster disappointed
Sunderland's Grant Leadbitter has admitted his frustration at again being overlooked by England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce.
Leadbitter has represented England at every level up to the Under 21s, but he is yet to make the step up.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Sunderland's best performers so far this term and he admits he is disappointed not to make it.
Disappointing
"A few of the staff and players have been talking to me this week and saying, 'I don't know why you've not made it'," said Leadbitter.
"It's disappointing because I feel as though I've been playing quite well this season but it doesn't seem to have made a difference.
"I've never played for the Under 21s before and I suppose I was hoping I might get a chance now that I'm playing in the Premier League.
"But I can't do anything about it and I can't let it affect me. I just have to keep doing my best for Sunderland and, if I keep doing that, something might change in the future.
"It's every player's ambition to play for their country and I really want to do that with the Under 21s.
"It's something I want to achieve in the future, and I'm confident it will happen. But I'm not going to let it dominate my life."
Meanwhile, Sunderland have decided not to sign midfielder Kiki Musampa after his trial with the club.
