Kieran Richardson happy to fill in as required

Feb 25 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

KIERAN Richardson will freely admit he disagrees with his manager about his best position in the side but you will not hear him complaining about it.

Richardson has frequently been asked to play at left-back by Steve Bruce this season, a position the Sunderland manager feels he can excel in if he decides to convert.

It is an argument Richardson is reluctant to accept, although he will continue to do the job he is asked without moaning as he admitted Sunderland’s problems are far bigger than his own.

The 25-year-old has struggled to find his best form in a difficult season which has seen Sunderland, without a league win since November, dragged into an unexpected relegation battle, but it is price he claimed he had to pay.

“I still think central midfield is my best position,” said Richardson who has failed to force his way back into the England squad despite being talked about as an outsider for a World Cup place last summer.

“I’ve played virtually my whole career in midfield, either on the wing or in the middle and that’s where I enjoy playing.

“But if the manager feels like I can do a job there I am more than happy to do that. When I’ve been asked to play there I’ve just got on with trying to do the job to the best of my ability.

“I’ve never moaned about it, I’ve done my best for Sunderland Football Club, it’s not always about me and what I want.

“I feel as though I’ve got better in that position, definitely. I feel more confident than I did when I first went back there. All that matters to me is playing in every game.”