Earnshaw anxious for Wales role

Robert Earnshaw says that such has been the speculation about him quitting Derby, even his sister is asking him whether he has left the club.

The Wales striker joined the Premier League newcomers only this summer, following a £3.5m move from Norwich. Rumours that he has failed to settle at Pride Park have led to stories linking him with a move away, with Charlton seemingly top of the list of suitors.

Couple all that with criticism from the Wales manager, John Toshack, about his "under-achieving years" for his country, and the 26-year-old appears to have more than a few worries. But he insists he will put aside all those concerns and attempt to make an impression on Toshack ahead of tomorrow's European Championship qualifier in Cardiff against Germany.

The arrival of striker Freddy Eastwood on the scene has only highlighted the growing competition for places in the Wales side. "I relish the challenge from Freddy," Earnshaw said. "He's come into the squad and is quality. But for me I see football as fun, I don't think about competition.

"I am looking forward to the next 10 years, I hope I'm still playing for Wales then. I then want to look back and say I enjoyed it all, that's how I see things."