Darren Bent expects to make Euro 2012

Darren Bent has insisted that he will return from injury in time to make England's squad for Euro 2012.

The Aston Villa striker has been absent since February with an ankle injury and his manager, Alex McLeish, recently hinted that the former Sunderland forward could be available for selection for this summer's tournament.

Bent has now added to those comments by revealing that he is close to regaining full fitness.

When asked if he believes that he will make Roy Hodgson's squad, the 28-year-old said: "I'd like to think so. My fitness is getting better every week and I go out every day working hard. I feel I'll be ready for the Euros.

"I've been doing a lot of work and I can do all the running in the world on the training ground but what counts is game situations."

Bent has missed Aston Villa's previous 19 games.