Stewart Downing is determined to make the most of his England recall after admitting he had thought that his international career was over.
Downing, 30, was a member of the Euro 2012 squad but had not featured for the Three Lions since the warmup game in Norway that May.
However, the midfielder's move to West Ham, and recently into a more central role, has seen his lengthy hiatus come to an end, with Roy Hodgson recalling him for the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia and friendly with Scotland.
"I've admitted in the past I felt my chance had passed, but I kept going and always kept trying to play well," Downing said. "It has paid off.
"Roy has been watching the games and picked me. I'm very happy to be back. There is a lot of new talent coming through, and it's an exciting squad. I'm the third oldest so I do feel a bit old, but he's got a good mixture here."
Downing accepts that his form at Liverpool did not warrant a callup and, after joining the Hammers last year, believes his move into a central role has been key.
"Roy has been impressed with how we've adapted to a new way of playing," he said of West Ham's excellent start to the campaign. "That's why he's called me up.
"I need to maintain that form. I spoke to Roy a couple of times. At West Ham games he's been in the changing room with the manager, and we spoke very briefly. He said: 'Yes, you're going to get in the squad.'
"I'm here to play and perform, not just make up the numbers. I'm itching to get out there. Roy has to build the team here, and it will take maybe a couple of campaigns to get going, but I think Roy is doing a good job."