Monday, 14th July, 2014
QPR midfielder Joey Barton has insisted he is available for England duty if selected by Roy Hodgson, claiming he feels he is good enough to play at international level.
Barton, who turned out for QPR in the Championship last season and helped Harry Redknapp's men win promotion to the Premier League, won one senior cap for England in 2007, but has not been capped since.
However, following watching the Three Lions at the World Cup, the 31-year-old feels he has what it takes to force his way back into England contention.
"After reviewing England's performance at the WC, I have decided renounce my international retirement", Barton said via his Twitter account.
"Having seen the standard, I believe its [sic] possible. Having played at the level before I feel I am a better player now than when I was capped.
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"People might not know whether I'm being serious or not. Trust me, I am deadly serious.
"Thats [sic] all I'll say on the matter for now."
Barton quick retracted his comments however, posting some 20 minutes later: "After a review of my reviewing process international aspirations will go on hold for the time being. Consolidating QPR in PL is No1 priority."
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