Ryan Shawcross has turned down the chance to play for Wales, as he targets an England cap. The 23-year-old had given Wales manager Gary Speed some hope he might be able to snare the Chester-born defender, who had played in Welsh schoolboys sides.
"I've not considered Wales. I have spoken to Gary Speed a couple of times and made my plans clear," he said.
"He is a very good, young manager and I have a lot of respect for him. But I made my decision a long time ago when the current rule wasn't in place that I could play for Wales.
"Obviously he wants me to play for Wales but I made a decision and I'm going to stick with it.
"Hopefully I can prove I am good enough to get into the England team. I'm not at the moment so I don't think I'm too wanted there."
He added: "It is tough to get in as there are a lot of world-class players in my position.
"It is good Wales want me but this rule wasn't in place when I made my decision.
"My decision might have been different if the current rule was in place at the time but these things happen."
