Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com for England TV, Jenas said he was just happy to be involved once more.

"It's good to be back," he said, "I obviously saw the lads out in Portugal in the summer, and was upset not to be there

"I was injured towards the end of the season and missed the last seven games so by then I knew I wasn't going to be involved.

"I was disappointed to be just watching it on TV - it's not nice, but at the same time I was cheering the lads on."

Do you think this will be the season that you'll establish yourself in the England side?

"All I can do is just keep performing at my club and hopefully that will be good enough.

"If I keep doing well for Newcastle United I can hopefully get myself in the England setup and try and establish myself rather than just being in and out

"I'm still learning and still young and just looking forward to a fresh campaign with Newcastle.

And presumably you're hoping to play a part at St. James' Park on Wednesday?

I managed to play here for the Under-21s against Turkey and that was a brilliant occasion. The fans came out then and hopefully they'll come out again and support us.

"It's a great place to start the campaign. They're a great bunch of fans and I'm sure they'll be willing us on."

17 August 2004      
Jermaine Jenas Exclusive