Blades star's England aim

The Sheffield United striker, who won the last of his five caps against Denmark in November 2003, wants to force his way back into the international reckoning by emerging as a focal point of Bramall Lane's plans for promotion.

Beattie, who is expected to feature against West Bromwich Albion this evening, believes that David Nugent's rise to prominence proves that the Championship need not be a graveyard for a player's ambition.

"All I'm thinking about at the moment is doing my best for Sheffield United and helping the team do well," he told The Star.

"That's what I'm totally focused on.

"But of course I'd love to play for England again and it's not something you ever give up on.

"Mr (Steve) McClaren (the England manager) has shown that providing you are doing well enough then you will be considered.

"By picking David Nugent when he was in this division with Preston Mr McClaren showed that he's prepared to look outside the Premiership.

"But my job is to help Sheffield United get back there as quick as possible anyway.

"That's all that is in my mind."

Beattie, who cost United a record 4m from Everton, scored on his debut against Colchester earlier this month but, together with Jon Stead and Danny Webber, was rebuked by Robson during the aftermath of last weekend's disappointing defeat at Watford.

However the former Southampton and Blackburn marksman revealed father Mick is his fiercest critic.

"Dad usually lets me know what he thinks of how I've done," Beattie added.

"The worse thing is when he never says anything!

"But seriously he's a really big influence and support.

"That was the first time I've ever scored on my debut and so it was nice to get that out of the way but there is still plenty of areas where the team and myself can improve. That's what we've been working on."

"My Dad travels to watch all of my games but the mileage doesn't bother him because he used to be a truck driver."