Kieron Dyer is hoping to cement his place as an England regular after finally putting his injury nightmares behind him and can’t wait to line up against his old teammate Jonathan Woodgate for England’s international friendly against Spain at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

28-year-old' Dyers career was hanging in the balance after a career-threatening hamstring injury, but after an 18 month rehabilitation and some recent spectacular form for Newcastle, Dyer is ready to stamp his mark on the international stage, starting tonight with the friendly with Spain at Old Trafford.

England boss Steve McClaren has recalled long-term absentees Woodgate and Dyer to the starting line-up for tonight’s match, with Dyer eager to make his mark.

"It's fitting that Jonathan Woodgate has returned to international football in the same squad as me," said Dyer. "We've been like the cursed injury twins of English football for the last five years or so, it's amazing how unfortunate we've both been with injuries.

"We know what each other has been through and we've helped lift each other's spirits when they've needed lifting. Hopefully we can put all our fitness trouble behind us now and get on with our careers."

But Dyer can’t understand how Woodgate - who will only be earning his sixth international cap tonight, almost eight years since his debut against Bulgaria – hasn’t earned more call-up’s for the Three Lions.

"Woodie, for me, is one of the best defenders in the world, but he's had even more injury problems than I have. He should have 50 or 60 caps by now.

"When he was at Newcastle he was unbelievable. If you ask anyone who played with him then, they would say he was the best defender they have ever played with. He's quick, strong and clever, he's unflappable, he eases other people through games."

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