Peterborough United goalkeeper Joe Lewis admits that he was 'frustrated and disappointed' with the lack of goal-scoring opportunities he had during the 15-minute stint in attack for the England under 21 side.

Lewis was given a shock striking role for his country by boss Stuart Pearce after Lee Cattermole suffered an injury towards the end of the friendly with Azerbaijan at stadium: mk.

The goalkeeper was sent on by Pearce when the score was 6-0 to the hosts and Lewis admits to theposh.com that he was desperate to get on the score-sheet. 'I have to say I was not very happy with the service I received,' Lewis joked.

'If I am honest, I am not too keen on the lone striking role, I think I prefer playing with a little man, I am sure that partnership might work better. In all seriousness though, it was enjoyable and I certainly didn't expect to be finishing last night as a striker for my country!

'We only had four outfield substitutes available to us because of injuries and the management just discussed what would happen if we got more injuries and I just said I would give it a go outfield. I played the last five minutes up front for Norwich in an FA Youth Cup tie, that is my limited experience,' Lewis said.

Boss Pearce commented: 'We had to do that because Cat's (Lee Cattermole) pulled a slight injury and with the tournament a week away we were at a loss as what to do. We used all our outfield subs and Joe put himself forward to go up front. It was a forced sub. Whichever way we did it we didn't want to be seen as disrespectful. That was the last thing I wanted.'

England won the game 7-0. Lewis will now travel with the squad to Sweden for the under 21 European Championships.