Everton's �6m new boy James Beattie has set his sights on an England recall. Beattie admitted he was upset at receiving no explanation from England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for his exclusion from the Euro 2004 squad.
He said: "England is still very much in my thoughts. It's been a disappointment that I seem to have drifted away from that scene in recent times.
"But what disappointed me the most was that there was no explanation for being left out of the Euro 2004 squad."
Beattie revealed as he was paraded after his move from Southampton: "That really set me back and disappointed me a lot. It would only have taken a couple of minutes to give me a ring and be told why.
"To be told what I had done and what it needed for me to get back into the squad, being out of the squad was bad enough but that was really bad for me.
"But I am sure that if I get into the team here and score goals then I will be back in Mr Eriksson's thoughts again." Everton boss David Moyes revealed he hopes to make more big signings after breaking the club's transfer record.
He said: "James is just the first piece of a jigsaw that I hope to build to makeEverton competitive at the highest level."
Moyes also believes Beattie can salvage his England career while at Goodison Park.
The Scot said: "He is approaching his peak as a centre-forward and if he's banging in goals for Everton and we're near the top of the table, then people will be clamouring for him to be back in the England squad."
Beattie has swapped Southampton's relegation battle for Everton's challenge to secure Champions League qualification.
And he is well aware he has joined a long list of cult heroes who have led the line with distinction at Goodison Park.
From Bob Latchford to Graeme Sharp, Andy Gray, Duncan Ferguson, Gary Lineker, Alex Young and Dixie Dean, Everton have always had icons as their number nines.
"I understand the responsibility of being an Everton centre-forward," added Beattie, who was introduced to the Goodison fans before Wednesday's 2-1 win over Portsmouth.
"There have been a lot of tremendous ones over the years so I know what I have to live up to.
"I know the quality of centre-forwards who have been here in the past and know what is expected of me.
"But I know I can bring something to this team. The lads work hard for each other and I can do that, it's a big part of my game.
"And if they keep making the number of chances they did against Portsmouth this week then I know I can get goals for the side."
MMIX
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Does this signing mean that Moyes will have to change his formation and play two up, or are Beattie and Bent now fighting for one position?
