Deeney retains England hopes; reveals Northern Ireland talks

Rob Conlon
Troy Deeney: Frustrated with Hornets loss

Troy Deeney insists he has not given up hope for an England call-up but admits he could represent Northern Ireland in the future.

Watford captain Deeney has been mooted as a potential England candidate after impressing for the Hornets this season, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in all competitions.

But the 27-year-old refused was wary about making his case for inclusion after Roy Hodgson compared the clamour for Mark Noble to be selected to that surrounding Grant Holt four years ago.

“I don’t want to say too much because Mark Noble did an interview and got compared to Grant Holt,” Deeney said on Soccer AM.

“I have to be careful about what I say, but I’m just going to do my job and hopefully Mr Hodgson will give me a knock and I’ll be the first one there.

“I’d be the proudest man in the country if I did get the opportunity. I just have to keep doing my job and working away.”

Deeney also revealed he has been in contact with Norther Ireland, and explained his decision to turn down the chance to represent Jamaica.

“Yes, we are just confirming the Northern Ireland thing at the moment,” he added.

“And I didn’t reject Jamaica and say ‘don’t call me’. It was just when they did call me it was in the middle of June and I had just finished a long Championship season so I said, ‘I fancy a couple of weeks with my kids.’

“Also when they play you have to meet up in Miami and fly to Costa Rica or wherever they are playing that week, and it’s a long, old stint.

“When you fly back you get back on Friday morning too, so I’d miss the whole week with the Watford lads and being captain you can’t afford to do that.”