Jonjo Shelvey has rejected the suggestion he turned down the chance to play for the England Under-21s during this year s European Championships.
The Swansea City midfielder was absent from Gareth Southgate s squad for the tournament in the Czech Republic, with England manager Roy Hodgson having previously said the player was reticent to feature for the under-age side.
But, speaking ahead of the senior England team s upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers, the in-form Shelvey said: I didn t refuse to play for my country. I ve always made myself available. If I didn t my dad would have killed me to be honest.
I think a lot of it has been rumours. I spoke to Gareth Southgate and he rang me and told me he didn t expect me to be with them.
I think a lot of it has been misread but I ve never made myself unavailable for my country.
It s every boys dream to play for his country. I would never turn my back on my country.
Shelvey s solitary full international cap came against minnows San Marino in 2012.
He added: It seems to be every time I get called up it s against San Marino.
I just want to get a start, hopefully I can get one then it s just down to me to cement my place in this squad and then go back to my club and perform on a consistent basis.
Obviously it s down to Roy whether I get to start.
I will play anywhere for my country, it s an honour to be here and hopefully I can get a chance to show people what I can do.