Darren Bent was packing his bags for a holiday in the States this time last year, rejected by Fabio Capello for the World Cup and still plagued by unfavourable comments suggesting you wouldn’t back him to hit a barn door.

Twelve months on and Bent is Capello’s first choice centre forward with three goals in three games for England and set to lead the line when he wins his 10th cap against Switzerland on Saturday.

It has been an incredible campaign for the 27-year-old striker, moving from Sunderland to Aston Villa for £24million, becoming the top scoring Englishman in the Barclays Premier League (again) and altering a few perceptions along the way. Not least Capello’s.

Deadly: Darren Bent (right) scored his first England goal against Switzerland last year

Of his 17 top-flight goals, the penultimate was Bent’s favourite — a beautifully controlled volley, the first of two in a win at Arsenal. It oozed class, but, more significantly, it oozed self-belief. It was indicative of his progress.

‘I feel more confident than ever before in my career,’ said Bent. ‘I wouldn’t say I feel like I’m the England centre forward but I feel like I’m part of the set-up.

‘I feel I’m playing really well at the moment and long may it continue. Hopefully I’m showing people I can play at the top level and score goals. It’s always been my aim to cement a place as  England’s regular No 9. That hunger will never go away.’

Coincidence or not, his fortunes changed with his first England goal, against Switzerland in Basel last September. ‘It lifted a weight off my shoulders,’ said Bent.  ‘People questioned whether I could score for England. I was jumping for joy inside. I scored and we won. I’ve grown in confidence since.

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