By Aston
October 12 2004

Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent has pulled out of tonight’s England under 21 game against Azerbaijan with a hamstring problem.

Bent Injury Concern

Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent has pulled out of tonight’s England under 21 game against Azerbaijan with a hamstring problem.

The 20 year old striker was in line to make his first start for the Under 21 side after the injury of Carlton Cole but Bent’s first start will have to come at a later after Bent complained of a tight hamstring upon arrival in Baku.

Town physio Dave Williams has said: “Darren was okay after the game against Wales on Friday and the Saturday but they had a long flight to Azerbaijan and when he got off the plane he felt his hamstring tighten up, the England people have decided not to take any chances with him and left him out of the game.

“Darren won't be back here until late on Thursday and we will have a look at him then.

“From what I have heard though, everyone seems quite confident that he will be okay for the weekend.”.

Bent him self said last night: “Things have been going really well for me but this is a big blow. My hamstring is really tight and has not got any better so I'm sure I won't be playing.

“I should be alright. Peter Taylor did not want to use me against Azerbaijan and not let the hamstring get better so he is not playing me as a precaution so that I will be fit for Saturday and what is a very important game for us against Burnley.”.

Sources: Ipswich Town - the official website and EADT.

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