Bent puts club before country

Plymouth Argyle midfielder Jason Bent has withdrawn from the Canada squad ahead of their friendly international with Libya in Tripoli on Wednesday.

Toronto-born Bent could also miss his country's date with Estonia in March as he focuses on cementing his place in the Pilgrims' first team.

Bent aggravated a hamstring injury while on international duty at the Gold Cup in January 2002, and was sidelined for two months upon his return to Home Park.

He then suffered a hamstring tear in Plymouth's 2-0 home win over Bristol City at the start of this season - and did not make a comeback until the return fixture at Ashton Gate on Boxing Day.

Since then, he has featured in seven matches, including the shock FA Cup exit against Dagenham & Redbridge.

"Over the past year or so I have had hamstring problems," said Bent, who was signed by Argyle boss Paul Sturrock in September 2001.

"I have got a couple of games under my belt and I feel alright fitness-wise.

"But I want to get myself back in the Plymouth team on a regular basis.

"It's just trying to get my rhythm back and that comes with the more games you play and the more training you do," he told the Plymouth Evening Herald.