Sutton ready to forget the past

Chelsea star Chris Sutton is in contention to help England win their next two matches to stay in Euro 2000 contention as his career takes a new path following his move to the glamorous London giants.

"I feel good. Things have gone well, a god start for the season for Chelsea - a great club. That's the way I've seen it. I know there have been things which have been written. People must think I've gone home every day and had my head in my hands. Things have gone well other than the opening day of the season when I missed two sitters - that has been well documented. But since then many reports have been as accurate as my shooting that day I think."

"It's a great move for me coming to Chelsea. If I can't improve on my game at a club like Chelsea with the players they've got, many technically different and experienced players who have won things throughout Europe and the world then I'm never going to improve."

"The move has been very enjoyable. It's always good when you're winning. There was pressure in all the games - certainly the Champions League game because Chelsea have never qualified for that. That was a big step. We're really looking forward to doing well in the Champions League. In the league we have got off to a good start but it's going to be very difficult." I don't think I could be at a better club in respect that there are so many experienced established quality players there. I have to adapt but I think that's good."

"I was pleased to get the chance again. It's a very important game for England now. I know with these two big games coming up, it's vital England win. It's a big step for me to be called up and I hope I can do my best."

"I would like the chance to play full stop, but everybody wants to play."

Sutton refused to play for an England 'B' team as Glenn Hoddle prepared the side for the last World Cup. He still believes he took the right decision.

"I have said before that I regret the decision in the fact that I am patriotic and I do want to play for my country. Maybe at that time I was rash in what I did but I believe it was the right thing to do at that time. That's well in the past now, I don't know how many years ago, but I'm looking forward to now."

"I regret it on the basis that I would have had a better chance of playing more games for England. I am 26 now and maybe with a little bit of luck I would have had more caps and more time on the field than the 9 minutes I have had. I was back in before and then I was injured. That's behind me now.""

"I think last season I was fortunate to have been called up for England. I had problems with injuries and Blackburn were struggling. Things do change quickly in football though and I am pleased to here with England."

"I have a different style to Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler. I think strikers have to complement one another.

The high point of Sutton's career so far was his partnership in the 1995 Blackburn Rovers attack with Alan Shearer that fired the club to the Premiership title.

"Alan Shearer and I were in a good side We created lots of chances. The record speaks for itself but we are not as direct as we were at Blackburn. The players at Chelsea think and play a bit differently. We keep the ball very well and create chances. Things are looking good."

"There's been a little concern about my foot last week. It's okay. The scan is clean and I'm ready to go."

But Sutton's mind is on England right now.

"Everybody knows the importance of qualifying for the European Championships - it is unbelievably important. There is an air of confidence here and I think we can accomplish what we've got to."