Reading fullback Nicky Shorey is determined to prove his value for England.

Shorey admits he was "gutted" to see Joleon Lescott preferred at left-back by England manager Steve McClaren against Russia, but the Reading defender maintains the disappointment will drive him on to prove his national team boss wrong.

"I was gutted I did not get a chance. For whatever reason the manager decided to go with someone else," said Shorey, who netted a late consolation goal for Reading in their 3-1 home defeat by Premier League leaders Arsenal on Monday. "It was not until the day before I had an idea I might not start. The manager had called up two left-backs for those two games and when one gets injured you think the other is going to get a game.

"When I played for him [McClaren], I have done well, against Brazil and then Germany, so it was a bit upsetting.

"But I am not bitter about it - it is just one of those things. Lescott has played left-back for Everton quite a bit in the past, so it is not like it is a foreign position to him and I thought he played quite well.

"I am quite new to international football, so although I wanted to be out there playing against Russia, simply being there in that stadium with those fans so loud, it was an experience that will stand me in good stead for the future."

Shorey added: "Whenever they need me I will be there. It is a huge privilege to play for England and that disappointment will just drive me on.

"I would like to get back to playing my best football. So far this season, I think I have had some good games, but some poor ones as well. I know it is impossible for players to play to their potential every single game, but you have to make sure you do the fundamentals right and hopefully I can get back to playing the way I know I can.

"I want to show people I am one of the best left-backs about - that is my aim. I am concentrating on hard work every day in training and it is important to show that I deserve to be playing for Reading and for England."