Monday 15 September 2014 09:05, UK
Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone has urged England manager Roy Hodgson to take a closer look at the talent on offer at the KC Stadium.
Former Tottenham playmaker Huddlestone has earned four England caps since his debut in 2009 and believes himself and fellow Hull players deserve a chance to impress on the international stage.
Tigers captain Curtis Davies has been named in previous England squads but is yet to make his bow, while Jake Livermore – another former Spurs midfielder recruited by Hull boss Steve Bruce – made his international debut as a second-half substitute in 2012 but has not featured since.
After Hull survived a relegation scrap and earned a shot at Europa League qualification courtesy of reaching the FA Cup final, which they lost in extra-time to Arsenal, Huddlestone believes Hodgson should take a visit to the KC Stadium.
"I don’t think Roy Hodgson’s been up here,” Huddlestone, speaking at the launch of the FIFA 15 demo, told The Sun. “But there’s a few of us to watch.
"Curtis Davies and Jake Livermore had a great season, playing regularly and full of confidence, myself playing regularly and feeling confident in a good team – so there’s a few of us that are always hopeful.
"Jake has been in the squad before, I think Curtis has been in the squad but hasn’t managed to get on the pitch.
"So there are a few English lads at Hull who would be over the moon to get back in.
"Me? I will always remain hopeful. Obviously I have to have another good season for Hull."
Having failed to reach the Europa League group stages – losing to Lokoren in qualifying – Huddlestone admits retaining Premier League status is top of the agenda, despite a successful summer transfer window.
Bruce brought in the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Mohamed Diame and Michael Dawson from rival Premier League clubs as well as shattering the club’s transfer record to sign Uruguayan striker Abel Hernandez from Palermo.
"Survival is the main objective,” Huddlestone revealed. “There are ten teams that could be in a relegation fight.
"And although we have invested in quality players, I don’t think we can get above our situation at the minute.
"Hopefully we can get as close to tenth as possible but then, we are cautious enough to realise a lot of teams are also fighting to finish top of the bottom half."
Tom Huddlestone was speaking at the launch of the EA SPORTS FIFA 15 demo. Download for free NOW on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Origin. EA SPORTS FIFA 15 is available September 26th on all formats
