Jermain Defoe has not given up his dream of playing for England at this summer's World Cup.
The 35-year-old came off the bench to rescue a late point for Bournemouth at Watford on Saturday with just his fourth goal of the season.
A serious ankle injury curtailed Defoe's campaign and he has not started a game for the Cherries since December.
That saw him omitted from Gareth Southgate's last England squad for the recent friendly double-header against Holland and Italy.
He sealed an England recall under Southgate last season and kept his place for the World Cup qualifiers late last year.
Now, though, he faces a battle to convince the England boss he is worthy of a place on the plane to Russia - but the veteran is not giving up just yet.
"I came here (to Bournemouth) as an England player," said Defoe. "I worked so hard to get back in the squad and signed here as an England player. I have missed the last three squads because I am not playing.
"I spoke to the manager a few months ago and it's as simple as that - you have got to be playing and scoring goals and see what happens.
"It's not up to me, it's up to the manager. We will see what happens. I understand I have got to be playing, you can't just assume you're going to get in the squad because of what you have done over the years.
"You have got to be playing, you have got to be performing and you have got to be scoring goals. Once I start doing that I will feel I'm ready to go now.
"At a tournament, it is not just about the players who start, it's about the squad. It has been a stop-start season for me but I can't sulk. You have to be professional and come on and make an impact.
"Even if you are only on for two minutes you have to score a goal to help your team.
"If you are picked in the summer to make an impact then you have got to do that. Even if you come on for 30 seconds you are playing for your country."