Bentley: I'm ready to take Beckham's place

With Fabio Capello due to name his first England squad later this week, Bentley is hoping he has done enough to be included in the new boss's plans for the friendly date with Switzerland on February 6.

The game, at Wembley, promises to be an historic occasion, with Beckham tipped to win his 100th cap in Capello's inaugural match as the national coach.

But, while Bentley admits it would be a great feat if Beckham became a centurion, he also hopes it will mark the end of an era too, because he wants to become the LA Galaxy star's eventual successor.

The Rovers wideman, who played a leading role in his side's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday - a game that was watched by Capello - said: "If England want to be a top team then you have to have competition for places, so I will keep battling and trying hard.

"I understand that it could be his (Beckham's) 100th cap and that is a great feat to get to.

"I really respect him and it is nice to hear people sometimes describe me as the next David Beckham'.

"I speak to David when I go away with England and I really like him as a man, so I only have good things to say about him.

"To be compared to him is a bit of an honour because I grew up watching him and it is great.

"But I am there to take his place, and I have to show a level of professionalism because he still wants to play.

"You can't be in awe of him if you want to be a top player yourself.

"I want to be the best I can be, and it's a dog eat dog world so I am there to take his place, which will hopefully make England a better team.

"Hopefully, his performances will stay at a high level because there are young people coming through like me, who can play in that position."

Bentley insists he will be one of the first to congratulate Beckham should he win his 100th cap against the Swiss next month.

But, eager to enhance his own international prospects, the 23-year-old former Arsenal star is also hoping he gets to play some part in the game too, knowing it's vital he takes every opportunity he can to impress the new manager.

"As a footballer, you look up to people like David Beckham but I am there to take his place," said Bentley.

"I am playing week in week out and every time I go away with England, I am trying to take his place.

"That's the target but it will be difficult.

"Hopefully he will get his 100th cap and then I will come on for him as sub at some point.

"If I'm being honest, I was a little bit surprised when he got dropped from the England squad in the first place (under Steve McClaren).

"I suppose everyone was a bit surprised as it's difficult to drop a player with that ability, but he bounced back and the way he performed when he came back was brilliant."

In the meantime, Bentley has indicated his willingness to sign a new contract with Rovers - despite being linked with big-money moves elsewhere during the January window.

He added: "I don't get involved in the contract talks.

"It will be sorted out. I will just keep playing and it will all sort itself out. I don't have to worry about it.

"They (his agent and the club) have been in talks on numerous occasions and they will continue to talk and sort it out."