ALAN Thompson will remain under the international microscope despite a ban which will keep him out of the England set-up for several months.

Wanderers' 21-year-old winger this week received confirmation of a four-match suspension following his sending off in Portugal.

But he has been assured it will not signal the end of the England's interest in him.

"I think last Tuesday night's friendly was included in the ban so that means I'll be ruled out for another three," he moaned.

"But it means I will miss the run up to the European Championships."

Thompson's brilliant form in Wanderers' promotion-winning side last season earned him his international breakthrough in the Under-21s and he would have remained an integral part of the squad despite his struggle to stamp his authority on the Premiership this season.

But if he feared a case of 'out of sight out of mind' during his suspension, it was soon dismissed.

"It's four matches but it's like a year of internationals which is a big disappointment," he adds.

"I have been told by one of the FA coaches not to worry. They have made it clear that they I won't be forgotten and that my progress at Bolton will be monitored by the likes of Under-21 manager Dave Sexton and Ray Wilkins who coaches the side and even as far up as the people who run the full team."

Thompson acknowledges the best way to ensure he is not forgotten is by proving he can rise to the challenge of the Premier League.

"I've been far from happy with my form so far this season," he concedes.

"I'm not playing as well as I can but everybody has their lean times and it is up to me to come through it.

"It's just a case of adapting to the Premier League where the standards are so much higher than in the Football League and hopefully it will come sooner rather than later."

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