ROVERS midfielder David Thompson has spoken of his burning desire to play for England after Souness pressed his international claims following Sunday's win over Leeds.

Thompson seized the opportunity to shine in front of the watching Sven-Goran Eriksson with a man-of-the-match performance.

And he has since admitted he would love a crack at proving himself at full international level after being capped by his country at both Youth and Under 21 level.

"I'd love to play for my country, but then who wouldn't?" said Rovers' man of the moment.

"For now, as long as I keep playing well for Blackburn and I'm keeping my place in the side then I'll be happy with that.

"If England honours come with it then that will be a bonus.

"But it would be great to have a crack at the senior England team.

"It brings great experience, playing alongside and against the best players in the world."

Thompson traces his resurgence in form back to the time he knew he had to quit Liverpool -- normally a breeding ground for so many internationals -- in a bid to further his career.

Gerard Houllier signed Nick Barmby for £6 million in the summer of 2000 at a time when Thompson was just starting to make his mark at Anfield.

So when Coventry then came in during the same close season with a £3million bid, he decided to quit his home-town club who he had joined at the age of nine.

"I've done a lot of growing up in the last two years and realised what's important and improved my game, even though last season I was in Division One with Coventry," said Thompson.

"I realised I had to work hard to get back in the Premiership and now I'm back I'm going to give it everything and take this opportunity with both hands.

"There's a hell of a squad here and the potential is frightening really.

"We've a great manager and good backing from the chief executive and the chairman.

"We can get even bigger, so we've got to keep working as a team.

"But I'm enjoying my football and long may it continue."