Walker targets England return

Exclusive by Sarah Holt

Walker is thrilled Leicester have bounced back to the Premiership

Leicester City goalkeeper Ian Walker believes he can regain his place in the England squad next season.

The 31-year-old wants to join the queue to become David Seaman's successor now the Foxes have secured their return to the top-flight.

Walker, who has won three caps, believes being in the Premiership spotlight will give him the chance to shine in front of England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"If you're an English goalkeeper playing in the Premier League you have a chance of making the England squad," Walker told this website.

"You definitely have a fair chance of getting mentioned in the bracket of possible England keeper if you're playing half-decent football.

Getting back in England contention is an aim but the main aim is to make sure Leicester don't go down again

Ian Walker

"I'm looking forward to trying to get back in the squad and if I play well enough and they decide to pick me then that's great.

"I'll give it my best shot - but my priority is Leicester City and keeping them in the Premier League."

Walker, who was relegated with Leicester during his first year with the club, is well aware that staking his claim on the England number one shirt relies on him being in the top-flight.

"I knew that as soon as we went down I probably wouldn't get picked for another squad because they just don't pick players from outside the Premiership," Walker revealed.

"I think if West Ham go down then David James (currently England's number two) will move on.

"He has won a few caps while Seaman has been out but it was a bit different for me.

"I didn't play for a year and so I concentrated on playing my football week in, week out with Leicester and getting back in the Premier League.

"I've done the first part and now I have to make sure I play well next season and then we'll wait and see."

Walker was a regular in the England set-up when he was at Tottenham

Walker has been Leicester's most consistent player in the Foxes' promotion campaign as he has not missed a single league or cup game for Micky Adams' side.

And he cannot wait to test his shot-stopping skills against some of football's finest strikers.

"I'm looking forward to playing against Thierry Henry and Michael Owen," Walker said.

"There are so many great players in the Premier league and that is why you want to play in there and test yourself against the best players in the world.

"It's not something I worry about, whatever league you're in you have to try and stop the ball.

Bassett tips Adams to stay

"Premiership strikers tend to be a bit quicker and they have different skills when they are coming through.

"But a goalkeeper's a goalkeeper and if I save the ball then I'm doing my job.

"Once we knew we were promoted I felt as though a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

"And everyone at the club is now hoping to carry the confidence from promotion through to the start of next season.

Have your say on the 606 Division One page