Birmingham City winger Jermaine Pennant hopes his impressive form will ensure he is considered by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for the national team's tour to the United States later this month, writes James Nursey.

Pennant was again Blues' star performer in their 1-0 defeat to Norwich on Saturday at Carrow Road where his pace and expert delivery was a constant threat to the hosts' defence.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce believes the 22-year-old is good enough for

England when Eriksson names his squad on Thursday and the player, who has joined Blues permanently for £3 million from Arsenal, hopes to earn a surprise callup for England's two-match trip to America.

Pennant said: "If I keep playing well, giving it my best and coming up with the goods then that's what the England team are looking for.

"They want people who are playing well week in, week out and that's what I have been doing since I joined Blues. If I can keep on doing that then hopefully I can get the call-up to the England team."

The right-sided midfielder plays in the same position as England captain David Beckham and Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips which will not help his chances.

Pennant's criminal record - he was released from prison in early April after serving a third of a three-month sentence for drink driving while disqualified - could also count against him. But the midfielder says his life is going well off the pitch and he is focused on his game.

He added: "I'm happy at the moment and everything seems to be going well - that's when you play your best football. On and off the pitch it is going well and my performances are getting better.

"If you put on the Blues' shirt and you give everything, the fans tend to take to you. That's what I have been doing and that's what I am going to continue to do."

Bruce certainly hopes Pennant will make the most of his potential.

Bruce said: "The kid has unbelievable talent and the rest is now up to Jermaine. He is certainly a player and he has put in three good performances back-to-back.

"Jermaine is good enough for England. There is Shaun Wright-Phillips and after that there are not many like him."

Pennant's display was the highlight of a frustrating afternoon for Bruce, whose side dominated, despite having Damien Johnson sent off after 31 minutes, but failed to take their chances against Norwich.

The Birmingham boss said he now intends to strengthen his team to push for a topeight finish next season. Bruce hopes to finalise a permanent deal for striker Walter Pandiani, on loan from Deportivo la Coruna, soon.

Bruce added: "We have got to try and do a deal for Walter. We'll see how big that deal is with his club and take it from there.

"I want to sign quality players to help the club break into the top eight, it is a tough challenge, but we will try."