Daily Mirror

TAMMY MALLETT

Swansea striker Abraham on a mission to copy Kane with a late run into the England squad

- BY NEIL McLEMAN n.mcleman@trinitymir­ror.com

TAMMY ABRAHAM is targeting a Harry Kanestyle scoring blitz to force his way into the England World Cup squad – and keep Swansea in the top flight.

The striker, on loan from Chelsea, grabbed his first goals since his England debut in November in the FA Cup thrashing of Notts County.

Kane bagged 11 in 11 at the end of the 2015-16 season to force his way into Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad.

At least one attacking place in Gareth Southgate’s squad is up for grabs alongside Tottenham’s Kane (right) and Jamie Vardy of Leicester.

And Abraham said: “It’s a good time to start scoring – the England games next month are at the back of my mind.

“I know I have to give a performanc­e to get back in the team whenever I’m given the chance, I have to keep proving myself and that’s what I’m willing to do. Harry Kane came from nowhere to get to the Euros. Now I’m back I’d obviously love to do that.’’

The 20-year-old, who had struggled with fitness and form, added: “This performanc­e will give me massive confidence going into other games. I like to push every game to show my true potential and hopefully to get my chance.

“Harry is a player I’ve always looked up to and one of the greatest strikers so I obviously follow his past. What he’s been through gives me confidence that there is a light at the end of every tunnel.”

Abraham revealed Southgate told him to “just believe in yourself and hopefully get the team out of the mess” on his return to Swansea duty in November.

But he had not scored in 14 games before his two Cup goals against the League Two side. He also picked up a hip injury after Carlos Carvalhal’s first game in charge – and was told to copy Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic on his return by the Portuguese coach. “He’s motivated the players and lifted the whole atmosphere,” said Abraham, who wants to go back to Chelsea next term. “I’m a bubbly person like he is and I always want to work hard and do my best “It’s like a fresh start for me. I’m not a person who lacks confidence, I always believe in myself and when I get the chance I like to take it.

“Wilfried Bony’s injury is sad but sometimes these things happen and give you the chance to step up.”

Carvalhal, eight games undefeated, said: “Tammy is progressin­g. He can do better in my opinion. He knows he can do better.”

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