BURNLEY midfielder David Jones has insisted that the lure of the European Championships will not tempt him to make himself available for the Wales national team.

Jones is eligible to represent Wales but has never played for the country where his father was born.

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The 30-year-old was called up for the England under 21 team early in his career and has since resisted requests to play for Wales.

Chris Coleman’s side are well placed to reach Euro 2016 going into Saturday’s match in Israel and Jones’ form since returning to the Premier League would probably put him in contention for a place in the squad should he decide to make himself available.

But Jones says that will not happen, and that even the prospect of playing at the European Championships would not persuade him to change his mind.

Mark Hughes contacted Jones during his days as Wales boss, and Gary Speed also said that he intended to enquire about the midfielder’s availability during his tenure.

Ryan Giggs and Jones’ Burnley team-mate Sam Vokes, who is in the Wales squad for the Israel game, are also among those who have tried to encourage Jones to make himself available in the past.

“I think we might have had a discussion back in our Wolves days but Sam knows how I feel about it,” Jones said.

“Previously in years gone by with previous coaches I’ve spoken to them.

“But I’ve said from the start of my career really that I feel English so there’s never really been a question.

“Although I’ve had discussions with various managers, there’s never been a question.

“Obviously they’re doing great and I hope that they do qualify.

“But just as a personal thing I class myself as English and I can’t do anything about that.”

Jones’ focus is on the remaining eight games of the Premier League season, starting at home to Tottenham Hotspur on April 5.

Matt Taylor could be in contention to make his return from injury in that game, having not featured for the first team since August because of Achilles surgery.

“Of course that will be a boost, he’s got a lot of Premier League games under his belt,” Jones said.

“It’s good to have players like him back in our squad.”