Aston Villa FC

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Knight wants England recall

30 Aug 2007 - 09:03:40

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New Aston Villa defender Zat Knight has set his sights on a return to the England fold following his £3.5million move from Fulham.

The 27-year-old won two caps during the tour to the USA in 2005 but has since been consistently overlooked by first Sven-Goran Eriksson and then current England coach Steve McClaren.

But after signing for his boyhood club, Knight believes Villa's profile will help him fulfil his international ambitions.

The former Fulham captain could make his debut in Sunday's meeting with Chelsea at Villa Park.

"There is nothing like starting at the top against the best team in the country," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of playing for such an ambitious club as Villa.

"There are a few English players in the Villa side and obviously the England manager will take more notice and watch a few more games in which I am involved, unlike when I was at Fulham where I was the only Englishman in the team.

"Here at Villa you have Gareth Barry in the England squad and the manager will be sending out the scouts to watch him and hopefully I will attract their attention.

"First and foremost I have to be doing it well for Villa. If I am playing week in and week out for Villa and doing well then I see no reason why I cannot get into the England team."

Meanwhile, Villa boss Martin O'Neill has revealed he hopes to strengthen his squad further before the transfer window closes on Friday.

"I will wait to see what happens in the next couple of days," he added.

"I do want to strengthen the side and Zat has come in to improve the team."