BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes was pleased to learn of the news that David Bentley had been selected in the England squad to face Israel and Russia for their forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Speaking after the 26-man squad was announced this lunchtime, the Rovers manager said: "We're delighted for David, he's come through this period, there's been a lot of speculation as to whether or not he'd get back in as soon as he has done but he's got back in because he's been playing exceptionally well for Blackburn Rovers.

"That was always the key from our point of view, he needed to maintain the levels that he set all last year and he's started well and played exceptionally well last evening (against MyPa) and capped a good performance with a great goal and maybe that swayed the England manager to put him in. But I would suggest it was probably the level of performance that he's put in over a period of time."

Bentley was omitted from the previous England squad due to his absence for the Under 21s in their Euro 2007 tournament in Holland, but all parties are now glad that the issue has been dealt with.

"At the time I felt maybe the situation was explained to the England management and I felt there was real valid reasons why David didn't go with the under 21s," added Hughes.

"But we've drawn a line under it, there's no issues between me and Steve, I was delighted when he rang me this morning that David was in, that was the news we wanted to hear."

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