Watford's Deeney eager for England chance amid Northern Ireland interest

Watford's tenacious second striker Troy Deeney is hopeful of an England call-up, though the Birmingham-born forward won't rule out a possible opportunity with Northern Ireland.

Left out of Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2016 tuneups with Germany and the Netherlands, Deeney is keen to garner his first national team cap, and admitted Northern Ireland has contacted him about potential eligibility.

"Yes, we are just confirming the Northern Ireland thing at the moment," Deeney told Soccer AM, according to Sky Sports' Patrick Surlis.

However, the 27-year-old remains optimistic about a chance with the Three Lions.

"I have to be careful about what I say, but I'm just going to do my job and hopefully Mr. Hodgson will give me a knock and I'll be the first one there. I'd be the proudest man in the country if I did get the opportunity. I just have to keep doing my job and working away."

Deeney is but one of many talented England forwards behind the likes of Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott, and Daniel Sturridge.

"I don't want to say too much because Mark Noble did an interview and got compared to Grant Holt," Deeney said.

Hodgson has claimed that there simply isn't enough room in the squad for a player like West Ham midfielder Noble, comparing him to former Norwich City striker Holt.

"We have only got 23 places, 20 outfield players, we can't unfortunately cap every player who has had a good player for his club. Before the World Cup it was Grant Holt so there is always somebody," Hodgson told reporters ahead of Saturday's friendly with Germany.