England Under-21s winger Demarai Gray has admitted to being frustrated by his lack of starts at Leicester City last season, but is determined to make his mark under Craig Shakespeare.
The former Birmingham City ace, currently starring for his national side at the Under-21 European Championships, was used 41 times in all competitions for the Foxes last season.
Twenty-seven of those appearances came from the bench, however, as he was made to play a bit-part role in a mixed campaign for City, with the high points being reserved for the European stage.
After scoring one and setting up another in England's 3-0 win over Poland on Thursday night, seeing his side through to the semi-finals as group winners, Gray is now determined to push on next term at the King Power Stadium.
"I used this tournament last season to motivate me to show what I am capable of," he told talkSPORT. "As soon as I get a chance I want to have my best game. I am hungry and want to make my mark.
"I want to express myself as much as I can. I don't feel like I have been able to do that as much as I want. Shakey (Craig Shakespeare) has always been there for me at Leicester. He always spoke to me one on one. With him getting the job now I am happy with that and hopefully I will get more of an opportunity.
"Managers have to trust you and give you a chance. If they do we will have more English talent coming on show. The way football is today, the way the game is changing all the time I think we can progress and see young players come through. It is all about opportunities. Playing at first team level is how you progress the best.
"You learn about the real game. If opportunities are given you'll see more of the youngsters coming through. The young England generation has some very, very good players. Hopefully there is opportunities given to all the lads coming up from Under 17 onwards. The future is bright for England."
Gray, also benched for England's first two games in Poland, netted just twice in all competitions in 2016-17.
Daniel Lewis
