Gabriel Agbonlahor has vowed to live up to England coach Fabio Capello's claim that he is one of the bright hopes for the future by raising his performance levels for Aston Villa this season.
Agbonlahor was named by Capello as a player he will be looking at when rebuilding in the aftermath of England's woeful World Cup performance.
The Villa striker has been included in several squads under Capello but failed to make the final 23 for South Africa.
Now he is looking to up his game for Martin O'Neill's side after scoring a healthy 16 goals last season.
Agbonlahor said: "It was nice to here what Mr Capello said and it gives you a boost ahead of the new season.
"But what I need to do is show him that I deserve it. I want to get off to a good start, have a good season and get back in the England squad.
"I've been involved before but missed out on the World Cup. It's not easy for the manager, because he can only pick 23 players, but I want to get back amongst it.
"If you ask me and some of the other lads who didn't get into the squad, you have to take a look at yourself and question if you did enough to make it.
"There will be tough competition and younger players trying to get into the squad. I want to be one of them."
Agbonlahor has gradually improved his goal ratio each season for Villa since making the first team breakthrough four years ago.
But he insisted: "I want to do more this season and get myself into the squad. I am more determined to get in now.
"I've improved each season and want to do the same again."
