Bent unfazed by England snub

(GETTY IMAGES)

Darren Bent has vowed to keep trying to impress Fabio Capello after again being overlooked for England duty.

Capello saw the Sunderland striker put his side ahead against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday with a precision finish but preferred Gabriel Agbonlahor, Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole for England's final World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus.

Saturday's goal was Bent's seventh in the Barclays Premier League this season, making him the leading homegrown goalscorer.

The 25-year-old told the Sunderland Echo: "I've given a good account of myself on Saturday but I've been knocking them in all season and have yet to get a call-up.

"I just have to keep knocking on the door with my performances for Sunderland. I'll just have to keep banging them in.

"I'm in good form, my confidence is high and I feel I can score goals at any level. This won't knock my confidence."

Bent paid tribute to boss Steve Bruce, who brought him to the Stadium of Light from Tottenham in the summer for a fee that could rise to more than £16m.

The former Charlton striker endured a difficult two years at Spurs and Bent believes he is reaping the rewards of his manager's faith.

"Everything seems to be flying in, which I always knew would happen if I got given games regularly," he continued.

"Since joining Sunderland it has been fantastic. The manager has shown real faith in me and hopefully I can keep repaying him.

"The manager worked so hard to get me here, I've joined a strong squad and the backing we're all getting from the supporters is fantastic."