BLACKBURN Rovers defender Stephen Warnock has vowed to come back bigger and better next season after being overlooked for England duty this summer.

The former Liverpool ace, who turned in a series of outstanding displays for Rovers following his January move from Anfield, was touted as a possible candidate for an England call-up towards the end of last season.

But after injuries to Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge robbed Steve McClaren of his two main left-backs, the England boss ended up turning to Reading's Nicky Shorey instead for the recent B international with Albania at Turf Moor, and the 26-year-old has since earned himself a call-up to the senior squad.

However, far from being bitter about the fact he was snubbed for Shorey, Warnock insists it only makes him even more determined than ever to prove himself in the Premiership with his new club next season.

"Obviously, they had the B squad and I was overlooked for that so I'm just focused on doing well for Blackburn next season," said the full back, whose enterprising style has made him an instant hit with the Rovers faithful.

"If that's not good enough then so be it. There's nothing I can do about it.

"As long as the manager here is happy with me, that's all that matters.

"So hopefully I can come back after the summer and play well for Blackburn."

Warnock has been called up by England in the past, when Sven Goran-Eriksson named him in his squad for the double-header with Wales and Northern Ireland in September 2005, although he failed to figure in either game.

But having boosted his chances of playing regularly in the Premiership by quitting Liverpool for Blackburn earlier this year, he now aims to put himself back in contention for an international recall over the next 12 months.

In the meantime, Ipswich manager Jim Magilton last night said he would pursue all avenues in his attempts to try and sign Francis Jeffers from Rovers.

The Championship club have already had two offers for the 26-year-old rejected, the latest believed to be worth £500,000 plus add-ons.

Rovers are thought to be holding out for a seven-figure fee for the striker, with manager Mark Hughes insisting he would rather keep Jeffers at Ewood for another 12 months than let him leave on the cheap this summer.

The ball is therefore back in Ipswich's court, and Magilton is pondering making a third, improved offer for the player, who impressed during a loan spell at Portman Road last season.

"We will pursue the signing of Franny as far as we can," said the Ipswich manager.

"He is a player we want at the club but if it is not going to happen then it is best for us to understand this sooner rather than later so we can explore other avenues."

Magilton remains convinced that Jeffers would prefer to move to Ipswich on a permanent basis rather than stay at Rovers, where his chances of playing regular first team football are likely to be more limited next season.

He added: "If Franny sticks to his guns we have a real chance of getting him.

"His next move is a massive move for him and from what he has said, he wants to win his way back into the Premiership on his own agenda.

"We are pulling out all the stops to sign him as we recognise we need another goalscorer to take the pressure off Alan Lee.

"He is still our number one priority and the clubs are still in discussion over his transfer."