Bolton striker Kevin Davies says he is not overawed by the prospect of playing for England and feels he can fill the void left by the retired Emile Heskey.

Davies, 33, was a surprise inclusion for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro at Wembley on Tuesday.

"I'm confident in my own ability. I always felt I could do a job at this level," said Davies.

Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand trained with England on Friday but Aaron Lennon and Gareth Barry missed the session.

Recalled Tottenham winger Lennon is thought to have a sore back, while Manchester City midfielder Barry was said to be absent for personal reasons.

The age thing is not a concern of mine, I feel as good as I have done since my time at Bolton began. Hopefully I can make an impression and play some part Kevin Davies

Manchester United defender Ferdinand, 31, has not featured for his country since suffering knee ligament damage in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but has played in the last two games for United and may return to the England side on Tuesday.

Ferdinand's club-mate Rooney, 24, has missed two games for the Red Devils but is hoping to make his comeback in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.

He could find himself paired in attack with Davies, who would become the oldest England debutant since Leslie Compton in 1950 if he starts against Montenegro.

With Aston Villa forward Heskey having retired from international football, and having reportedly also turned down a chance to reverse his decision, Davies is ready to seize his belated chance.

"I trained today and I didn't feel overawed at all. There were a few nerves beforehand but the lads have been welcoming," said Davies.

"The age thing is not a concern of mine, I feel as good as I have done since my time at Bolton began. Hopefully I can make an impression and play some part.

"Obviously people have likened my playing style to Emile and he's retired now.

606: DEBATE Can Davies make his mark in the England team? Alistair M - BBC Sport

"We've always been compared, we've got a lot of similarities in the way we played the game.

"Fortunately for him he's the one who's played for England all these years and I think he's done a good job."

Tuesday's qualifier at Wembley offers Ferdinand a chance not only to return to the England line-up but also to regain the captaincy under manager Fabio Capello. Neither are certain, however.

Ferdinand faces stiff competition from Phil Jagielka for his place after the Everton defender impressed in the wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland in September, while Capello has yet to publicly state whether the captaincy will return to Ferdinand or stay with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, who took the armband in his absence.

Ferdinand's defensive partner, Chelsea skipper John Terry, was also involved in the session after missing England's last two matches through injury.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version