Bent thanks Sunderland for his England return.

Byline: MIKE McGRATH 

DARREN BENT used Twitter to controversially express how much he wanted to join Sunderland but three months later his return to the England squad explains why he was desperate to move.

Bent eventually apologised for criticising Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to his 'followers' on the social networking site but his move from White Hart Lane was completed and he has not looked back since.

Eight Barclays Premier League goals this season was enough for England boss Fabio Capello to recall the 25-year-old following injuries to Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole.

There was nothing controversial on his account after getting the nod for the friendly against Brazil in Qatar on Saturday, just a message of thanks for "all people connected to SAFC for making it possible again".

The former Charlton player top-scored at Spurs last season with 17 goals but even during his glut of strikes at the start of the campaign, it is understood manager Harry Redknapp was not convinced with Bent's overall contribution and work-rate.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes Bent has proved his critics wrong and deserves his chance to earn his fifth cap, with only one of his four so far coming under Capello.

"Darren is a top lad with an immaculate work-rate on and off the pitch and it's a testament to his record and attitude that Mr Capello has decided to add him to the squad," Bruce said.

"If you look at the number and type of goals he's scored this season, it shows what a well-rounded player he is.

"When we first signed him, I was amazed at his natural ability in front of goal and said to myself 'this lad's going to be a top player for this club'. I'm absolutely over the moon for him."

Elsewhere in Capello's squad, David Beckham's Major League Soccer commitments in America mean he will miss out, leaving Shaun Wright-Phillips as the only out-and-out right winger due to injuries to Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon. On the other flank, Steven Gerrard's absence could give either James Milner or his Aston Villa teammate Ashley Young a chance.

Milner is a favourite with Capello for his versatility, with the 23-year-old able to play on either wing or as a full-back.

Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone earned a call-up after starting each of his club's 15 games this season, which is the type of run he wanted after being linked with a move to seek regular football towards the end of the last campaign.

"I'm obviously very happy to have played so many games already this season," he said.

"I've said all along that I want to be involved and I hope that can continue."

Huddlestone, 22, has been showing the range of passing Capello had in mind when he highlighted "the big one" as one of his interesting young players, along with Joe Hart and Walcott, last season.

In goal, Robert Green played in six consecutive matches before his dismissal against Ukraine offered Ben Foster a chance against Belarus last month, although the Manchester United goalkeeper has only played in the Carling Cup win over Barnsley since.

Left-back Ashley Cole aggravated an injury during Chelsea's win over United yesterday so Capello could look at Wayne Bridge or Stephen Warnock.

Cole's injury was a "depressed fracture of the tibia", his club have confir med.

Warnock is ready to seize his chance and believes his move to Villa from Blackburn has been vindicated by his call-up.

"It's been justified," he said. "He (Capello) is at quite a lot of our games, the Chelsea game and Manchester City game recently, so he's a frequent watcher of the team and there is a bulk of players in and around the squad."

CAPTION(S):

Sunderland striker Darren Bent