Crouch talks priorities

Last updated : 15 September 2005 By Rich Middleton
Although Crouch said he had thought about the World Cup Finals in 2006, his main ambitions lie with his Red team mates.

He said, "I'm not going to lie and say the finals are not something I've thought about and the result in Northern Ireland the other night might help my chances of getting to the World Cup this summer, but it's not my top priority."

"You don't get international recognition without doing the job at club level so, if I do make it back into the England set-up, I'll have to have done the business here at Liverpool," Crouch said.

However, his international ambition is also evident, as he talked about his performance against Columbia where he gained his first cap.

"I think the manager has said he wants a bigger man up front, there's a void to be filled there and I think I did reasonably well out in America. I think if you're playing well at a club like Liverpool you'll get a chance," Crouch said.

He added, "The manager seemed to be positive in America, but obviously the club form is the key. I'd like to think I'd be the player that comes through over the next season. Obviously there are a lot of good strikers in the England side and I'd like to get in among them. Mr Eriksson was complimentary while I was away and so if all goes well hope-fully I'll be okay."