Bentley drives home his point

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If the Blackburn midfielder wears a knowing smile when he crosses paths with his nemesis Stuart Pearce as they pursue their patriotic duty, the outspoken Under 21 manager might have to bite his tongue.

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Bentley is hoping to make his mark for England again

Bentley's club form, making him a shoo-in for Steve McClaren's senior squad, is all the justification the vilified player needs for his controversial decision to sit out the summer.

Pearce believed that Bentley had sacrificed his right to wear the Three Lions after refusing to join England's ill-fated European Under 21 Championship crusade to Holland in June.

Bentley, who claimed he needed rest after an exhausting season, said: 'I'm feeling fit and that is what you want at this stage of the season — to be fresh and fit.

'The decision I made is history. I made a decision and I stuck by it. I believed it would be right and the only proof was going to be how I performed on the pitch. With the abilities I have got, it would be no good if I wasn't at my best.'

Bentley, who scored a superb opener in a 2-1 win over Birmingham on Sunday, is enjoying a new central role for his club.

'I love playing football,' he added, 'so if I can get on the ball, have an effect and take responsibility, it's great. I feel I can be effective in the centre but I'm just as happy if I play wide on the right.'