Routledge: Swansea ace would relish a call-up

The 27-year-old has impressive statistics so far this season and has contributed to more goals - four- for his club than any other English player, lying behind Eden Hazard, Carlos Tevez and team-mate Michu overall.

But following a stop-start career spanning 10 clubs over the years, the 27-year-old has often been overlooked at international level despite England crying out for out-and-out wingers of his type and having 12 caps at under-21 level to his name.

"Everyone wants to play for your country, but my main focus is to play as well as I can for Swansea. If I'm performing well at club level then see where it takes me," he told The Independent.

"My goal this season is to play as many games as I can. I've had a little run of games and it's nice. I scored a goal, made a few assists and I'm enjoying my football.

"When you're playing football things seem easy and I'm at my happiest. I hope this is my time to stay in the side and people see the best of me. I'm happy and the team is doing well. Hopefully that can continue."

Last season's statistics must also make for impressive reading for England boss Roy Hodgson - who this week bemoaned a lack of English talent to watch in the Premier League - with Routledge being the third highest in the assist table for his Welsh-based club behind Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer with seven contributions, even though he had a bit-part role off the bench.

"Obviously, it shows I'm doing the right thing and my job well at the moment. But it would be even nicer if I have the stat at the end of the season," the former Crystal Palace ace said.

With his under-21 England caps and shirts back home at his mum's house in Kent, Routledge added: "It would be nice to get more England caps and put a smile on mum's face."