Jermaine Pennant keen on winning his first full international cap
Published:The inclusion of Kevin Davies in the England set-up for their upcoming qualifier against Montenegro has given Jermaine Pennant hope that he can also make the squad.
Pennant has impressed Stoke City manager Tony Pulis in his three starts since his arrival on loan from Real Zaragoza, and he has not given up on gaining international recognition.
“I won’t give up until I retire, but you have to be doing it week in, week out at club level,” said Pennant.
“I’ve been in and out of teams and abroad but now I’m back in the Premier League I’ll play the best I can and see if that chance comes up.”
Pennant made 24 appearances for the England under-21 team between 2001 and 2004 but was unable to make the transition to the full squad during his three frustrating seasons with Liverpool.
Stoke are currently seventh in the Premier League after a strong start and Pennant believes he’s joined a side full of potential internationals.
Pulis has already backed international claims for Matthew Etherington and Ryan Shawcross, and Etherington was unlucky to miss out on this England squad after claiming a hand in nine of Stoke’s 11 goals this season.
In the meantime Pulis will be happy that his star players have a few days off as he targets three points when they travel to Bolton after the international break.
Stoke have gained 10 points from seven games thanks to a rugged approach and they are 14/1 to win the Premier League with a +35 point handicap.
Chelsea won the league with 86 points last season so Stoke would need around 52 points to challenge in the divisional handicap betting market.
Etherington’s supply of chances has seen Kenwyne Jones find the net three times this season and the striker is 33/1 to be the Premier League’s top scorer.
Stoke are 8/1 to be relegated. See the full Barclays Premier League betting odds market here.
