Kieran Richardson can be Sunderland left-back

Sep 26 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVE Bruce wants to make Kieran Richardson’s conversion to left-back permanent – and believes it might provide a route into the England squad for the former Manchester United man.

Richardson has been filling in for George McCartney over the last fortnight and Sunderland manager Bruce has been so impressed by his contribution that he now believes his future lies in that position.

Bruce believes that attacking full-backs are the key to success in the Premier League and feels that Richardson has provided crucial width and energy during his brief deployment in that role.

He was particularly impressed with the way Richardson dove-tailed with in-form Andy Reid during Tuesday’s comfortable victory over Birmingham City in the Carling Cup, and dropped a huge hint that he will remain in the team despite McCartney’s earlier than expected return from a hamstring injury.

“I think it is Kieran’s best position. He gets on the ball and gives us attacking options,” Bruce said.

“He is best facing play and running at defenders. He has played twice for us and looked comfortable there for us. I just see him as a modern day full back. He likes to get forward from deep. And that is not always possible when he is one place higher in the team. It is certainly another string to his bow. He hasn’t been a problem at all.

“Look at the top teams. Chelsea get their width from their two full-backs. The other night him and Reid were terrific. They were a handful and we could have had umpteen goals from that left-hand side. We could have had loads of goals from that area.

“Is he happy playing there? I am not really bothered. I know that he can do it though – he has played there in the Champions League.”