Mark Noble for England? West Ham star still hopeful of Three Lions call up

Midfielder has been linked with the Republic of Ireland

(Getty Images)

West Ham captain Mark Noble says he still hopes to one day play for England, after impressing in front of the watching Roy Hodgson on Saturday.

Noble, 27, has been linked with the Republic of Ireland national team in recent months through the grandparent rule, though he did admit he would find it "strange" if he were to suit up in green.

Against Manchester City on Saturday Noble was again impressive as the Hammers picked up a 2-1 win against the defending Premier League champions.

Playing a stylish brand of attacking football West Ham are fourth, two points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal and just a point off of City.

Roy Hodgson was at Upton Park on Saturday (Getty Images)

Inserted at the base of Sam Allardyce's midfield diamond, Noble has flourished alongside the inspired signings of Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate - though he was a substitute at the weekend - and a revitalised Stewart Downing.

“Fingers crossed,” Noble told the Romford Recorder when asked about a possible call-up. “Obviously it helps when the team is playing well and sitting in third or fourth place in the league.

“I am pretty sure [Hodgson] was watching Stewart Downing as well as he has been in great form, but hopefully it happens this time.”

The England manager would have been keeping an eye on Joe Hart, James Milner and Carl Jenkinson, but having adopted a diamond of his own in recent matches, Noble may well have caught Hodgson's eye.

England play Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier on 15 November with a friendly in Scotland on the 18th.