Shorey: I was 'gutted' by McClaren snub but Lescott played 'quite well'

The 26-year-old performed admirably during his two international appearances during the friendlies against Brazil and Germany at Wembley in the absence of first-choice Ashley Cole.

When injury then again ruled the Chelsea full-back out of the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Russia last month, Shorey was expected to get a first competitive appearance under his belt.

However, McClaren instead opted for Everton defender Lescott at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

It proved a controversial decision as the former Wolves man was often dragged out of position, especially in the second half when the hosts fought back to record a 2-1 win which left England's qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Yet while clearly "upset" by the turn of events, Shorey remains determined to leave McClaren with little choice but to include him on a regular basis.

"I was gutted. I did not get a chance. For whatever reason the manager decided to go with someone else," said Shorey, who netted a late consolation goal for Reading in their 3-1 home defeat by Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal last night.

"It was not until the day before I had an idea I might not start. The manager had called up two left-backs for those two games and when one gets injured you think the other is going to get a game.

"When I played for him [McClaren], I have done well, against Brazil and then Germany, so it was a bit upsetting.

"But I am not bitter about it - it is just one of those things. Lescott has played left-back for Everton quite a bit in the past, so it is not like it is a foreign position to him and I thought he played quite well.

"I am quite new to international football, so although I wanted to be out there playing against Russia, simply being there in that stadium with those fans so loud, it was an experience that will stand me in good stead for the future."

Shorey declared: "Whenever they need me I will be there. It is a huge privilege to play for England and that disappointment will just drive me on.

"I would like to get back to playing my best football. So far this season, I think I have had some good games, but some poor ones as well.

"I know it is possible for players to play to their potential every single game, but you have to make sure you do the fundamentals right and hopefully I can get back to playing the way I know I can.

"I want to show people I am one the best left-backs about - that is my aim. I am concentrating on hard work every day in training and it is important to show that I deserve to be playing for Reading and for England."

McClaren will use Friday's friendly against Austria in Vienna as part of the build-up to the visit of Group E leaders Croatia next week.

However, England's fate could well be sealed before then should Russia secure a win over Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

Rio Ferdinand is suspended and with captain John Terry carrying a new problem, McClaren could use the Austria game to experiment with his defence - Lescott or Manchester City youngster Micah Richards are both possible partners for veteran Sol Campbell.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson may also be given a breather, with Scott Carson, on loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool, ready to step between the posts.