Dyer's England hopes over Europe

Kieron Dyer is aiming to transform his World Cup heartache into a starring role in Newcastle's Champions League challenge.

The St James'Park midfielder, who hit his side's winner against Zeljeznicar of Sarajevo on Wednesday, has already set his sights on the league section of the senior European competition.

Dyer wants to re-establish himself in Sven Goran Eriksson's England squad and add to his 12 caps after failing to fulfil his potential in Japan during the summer. His outstanding performance and goal in Bosnia was the perfect start to the new season ahead of Monday's League visit of West Ham. But Dyer said: 'The World Cup was bittersweet for me. It was good to get fit but I

didn't do myself justice because, although my leg was fine, my overall condition was probably not 100 per cent. 'You're playing against the best in the world and if you shine in the Champions League, playing for England should follow.' Wednesday's winner against Zeljeznicar is likely to be the first of what should be many Newcastle goals for 23-year-old Dyer, who hopes to reach double figures by May.

He said: 'I feel pretty confident I can do it. I'm starting to convert the one-on-ones and every year I'm progressing and that's why I've set myself a target of 10 goals.'