Scott Carson has set his sights on establishing himself as a future England number one amid reports he could make his first start for his country in Friday's friendly international with Austria in Vienna.

Chelsea 'keeper Petr Cech called for Carson, currently on loan from Liverpool to Aston Villa, to be made first choice by Steve McClaren earlier in the campaign. Carson was number two to Paul Robinson at Leeds before moving to Anfield and now is again breathing down his neck with England after an impressive start to the campaign with Martin O'Neill's side.

Carson said: "To be the England number one that is the target. There is no point in me sitting around settling for what I've got.

"I've got to try and keep climbing the ladder, work hard and hopefully I'll get my chance for England and show that I am up to standard.

"I don't think there is a big gap between all the keepers from Robert Green, Chris Kirkland, David James and Robbo. I don't think there is a massive gap.

"You've just got to keep working hard and hopefully get to that next level which is being the England number one. It's what you strive for."