Hodgson watches Noble

Mark Noble remains hopeful of an England call-up after national coach Roy Hodgson watched him during the magnificent 2-1 win over Manchester City.

The 27-year-old, has never figured in Hodgson’s plans and has been linked with a possible switch of allegiance to Ireland, but he insists he has never given up hope.

He said: “Fingers crossed.Obviously it helps when the team is playing well and sitting in third or fourth place in the league.”

Noble has been in fine form this season, helped by the arrival of first Cheikhou Kouyate and then Alex Song to play alongside him in midfield.