Danny Simpson has ambitions for an England call-up after fighting his way back into the Newcastle team from injury. The 23-year-old snapped a tendon in his ankle towards the tail-end of last term but returned early from the setback.
Although he had played just six games since regaining fitness, his impressive displays led to calls for his inclusion in last week's England squad to face France.
"I was not too disappointed to miss out on the [England] squad but it was nice to be mentioned," he told skysports.com.
"It was a confidence boost to hear my name mentioned with the England team and it was a bit of a shock.
"I've only just comeback from injury and I'm going to get better with the more games that I play.
"Glen Johnson is the No.1 right-back for England and rightly so, but after him, I feel there might be room for me to get in.
"If I keep playing well then maybe I could get into the squad the next time England play a friendly.
"That is definitely my aim anyway. You have to have belief and confidence in yourself."
Simpson signed for Newcastle on a permanent deal for £500,000 in January and has established himself as the club's premier right-back.
"I was supposed to be out for six months, but I came back in five," added the England hopeful.
"The physios here at the club have to take a lot of credit for that. They devised a programme which I stuck to and it worked out tremendously.
"When you're injured, you're doing double sessions to get fit. You're in the gym, swimming or doing your exercises.
"I was doing four or five hours a day to get back but it's all paying off now and I'm feeling the benefit of all that hard work."
