Charlie Austin has revealed he turned down a move to the Premier League this summer – even though he knew it could cost him a spot at Euro 2016.

The Queens Park Rangers striker attracted much interest following the Hoops’ relegation to the Championship after firing 18 goals in the top-flight last season, with Newcastle, Leicester and Tottenham among a clutch of clubs eyeing the £15m-rated hitman.

It was therefore a major surprise when a move away from Loftus Road did not materialise before the transfer window closed.

But Austin insists it was his decision to stay put at QPR, telling talkSPORT: “I turned down a move [to the Premier League] which wasn’t right for me and my family.

“I didn’t feel it was right for me to go, so I stayed at QPR.”

Austin was happy to remain with the Championship side, but he is fully aware that his decision is likely to rule him out of contention for England selection for next summer’s Euros.

The 26-year-old was called up by Roy Hodgson for the friendly clash with Ireland in June but was left out of the squad for the recent qualifying double-header against San Marino and Switzerland.

“I have had no contact [from Roy Hodgson] but that was not really expected,” he said.

“I knew what my chances were of getting in the England squad when I stayed in the Championship. There are others players doing it week in, week out in the Premier League.

“It is something I have had to take on board with my decision in the last three weeks.

“For me now, I am getting my head down and that is at the back of my mind. I try to score as many goals as I can and perform to the best of my ability and help QPR achieve our goal, which is promotion come May.”