West Ham United winger Stewart Downing has said that he is determined to capitalise on his England recall, insisting that he is not there to "make up the numbers".
Downing saw his impressive early-season form for the Hammers rewarded with a call-up to Roy Hodgson's 26-man squad for upcoming games with Slovenia and Scotland.
The 30-year-old has not made an England appearance for over two years - a Euro 2012 warm-up friendly with Norway - and he is now keen to grab this chance with both hands.
"I'm very pleased. Hopefully I'll play or be involved that's the main thing," he told Sky Sports News.
"If I get picked I want to be involved, and not just go there to make up the numbers. So I'm looking forward to it, it's a chance and there are places up for grabs.
"I'll go there, enjoy it and hopefully get a start or, if not, hopefully be involved."
The Three Lions face Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley next Saturday, before travelling North for a friendly with Scotland in Celtic Park three days later.
Shane Callaghan
