Coming off the bench for just 10 minutes of action in a huge
local derby when your team needs a goal is not what a prospective England
striker should be doing. Firing home a cool-headed finish to equalise for your team
with just two minutes on the clock, however, is bound to catch the eye of Roy
Hodgson.
As is the enigmatic status of Darren Bent, currently sat in purgatory
with no idea where his career will turn next. At Villa, he has started every
game but one, yet competition for places is fierce, after the arrival of Christian
Benteke in the summer.
At international level, a freak ankle injury back in
February ruined his chances of playing at Euro 2012 and ended his season as
Villa slowly fell into a relegation scrap. It now seems Hodgson’s plans have
moved on since then to accommodate a different type of striker, while Villa
still need a talisman.
Bent has a lot to do to secure another England chance, and form
at club level is all-important. Yet without a winning goal in the Premier League
this season, his reputation as a match winner is fast depreciating. Thank
goodness he scored at the weekend.
The Aston Villa marksman rocked West Brom’s travelling
support last Sunday when he volleyed home the equaliser, earning manager, Paul
Lambert, a crucial point and restoring some sort of pride against their Midlands
rivals; his finish was composed and determined, a gift in front of goal that
still needed converting.
Bent must build on this strike against Spurs, this weekend, and
start netting regularly for Villa if he has any chance of convincing Hodgson to
try him out for England again. At 28-years-old, Bent does not have time on his
hands and must hit the back of the net for Villa before Christmas comes around.
Looking for betting tips for the weekend? Take a look at the
favourite winning odds Premier League.
