Kieran Richardson can be Sunderland left-back

Sep 26 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Richardson would be an unlikely option for England boss Fabio Capello at left-back but Bruce believes that if he continues to develop then he will be in with a shout.

Although Ashley Cole is a certain started for the national side there is little to choose from those behind him in the pecking order – and Richardson’s versatility would be a bonus if he was taken to the World Cup next summer.

“I have got to look after Sunderland first and foremost but we haven’t got many natural left-sided players in the country,” Bruce added. “If you play well you grasp the opportunity.”

Richardson has been aided by the vastly-improved Reid, who has earned his first-team place after an extensive fitness programme over the summer.

Although he was again omitted from the Republic of Ireland squad named yesterday his form has been superb over recent weeks – and Bruce reckons he has been one of the best performers in red and white so far this term. “He has been arguably our best player for a month,” the Black Cats boss said. “But as for the international side of things, (Republic manager Giovanni) Trapattoni is a bit more experienced and better than I am, so it is his call.”

Meanwhile, Bruce said he is also considering retaining Jordan Henderson in the side that takes on Wolves tomorrow afternoon. Although Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana are the undoubted first-choice pairing in the midfield engine room, Henderson scored his first goal for Sunderland in midweek and Bruce is a huge admirer of the 18-year-old.