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Page last updated at 13:59 GMT, Wednesday, 1 September 2010 14:59 UK

Sunderland striker Bent 'honoured' by England chance

Darren Bent
Bent missed the Hungary friendly in August through injury

Sunderland's Darren Bent is delighted to be back in the England set-up as he prepares for Friday's European Championship qualifier with Bulgaria.

The 26-year-old striker has scored four goals in four games this season at club level, and is determined to make up for his World Cup omission.

"Everyone wants to play for their country," Bent told BBC Newcastle.

"If the door's back open again I'll relish it and if I can get a piece of the game I'll be delighted."

The Cambridge-born forward's last cap came against Japan in May before he was left out of the 23-man squad for South Africa.

It's unfortunate for Fraizer because he's had a fantastic pre-season where he's on fire

Darren Bent on Fraizer Campbell's injury

Capello named Bent in the squad for the friendly with Hungary last month, but he was forced to withdraw with a back injury.

Meanwhile, Bent's club team-mate Fraizer Campbell faces a six-month absence with a knee injury suffered in Sunday's 1-0 win against Manchester City at the Stadium of Light.

The former England under-21 forward had been an ever present for the Black Cats this season, and Bent is disappointed to see his strike partner sidelined so soon into the campaign.

"It's unfortunate for Fraizer because he's had a fantastic pre-season where he's on fire, he's come into the season and done really well and then he's got a serious injury which is disappointing," Bent added

"Hopefully Fraizer can get himself right and back as soon as possible."

Bent will have new signing Asamoah Gyan available as a potential foil following his £13m move from Rennes on deadline day, as well as on-loan Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.



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see also
Sunderland pay �13m to sign Gyan
31 Aug 10 |  Sunderland
Sunderland 1-0 Manchester City
29 Aug 10 |  Premier League
England 4-0 Bulgaria
03 Sep 10 |  Football
Campbell ruled out for six months
31 Aug 10 |  Sunderland
Club form key to England - Bent
18 Aug 10 |  Sunderland


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