BLACKBURN Rovers playmaker David Bentley has vowed to turn Fabio Capello's head - and help bring about an early end to David Beckham's England career.

Bentley has his heart set on cementing a place on the right side of midfield under the new national boss, even though that would mean dislodging, among others, Los Angeles Galaxy star Beckham.

He realises he is not one of the big names who would have attracted Capello to the England job, but believes he will soon make an impact on the hard-nosed Italian.

"I don't think Capello knows who I am but he will do - I will make sure of that," Bentley said.

"It's time for me to perform. I'm confident enough I will force my way into the team.

"It's my job to stop David Beckham. That has to be my aim and I don't think David would argue with that.

"Don't get me wrong, I will be delighted for him if he gets the 100 because he's a top bloke and a great player.

"If he does reach the 100, I hope he gets it by coming on for me after I've had a stormer."

Bentley added: "I really admire David for everything he's done in football but I want to be breathing down his neck.

"I believe I should be in the England team instead of him. Any footballer has to think like that."

Bentley's form this season makes him an ideal choice to replace Beckham, although it may not be a decision popular with some supporters due to his withdrawal to play for England in last summer's European U21 Championships.

But he said: "It's about being strong and, OK, I've been slaughtered for making that decision but that's when you need a bit of character to stand up for yourself.

"There are some people who will always think I was wrong and I've had a couple of idiots coming up to me on nights out, but what do people really want?

"Do they want football to be full of robots and everyone stood in line going, 'Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir?'.

"Well, sorry, but I'm just not like that."