Kieran Richardson has a World Cup dream

Mar 4 2010 by James Hunter, The Journal

“I will never give up on playing for England again.

“It’s all about staying injury free, playing every week and trying to attract Fabio Capello’s eye. I will keep going.”

While Richardson has made no secret of the fact that he is a reluctant full-back, it is that position that seems to offer him his best route back into the England squad.

Capello’s first-choice left-back, Chelsea’s Ashley Cole, is in a race against time to be fit for this summer’s World Cup in South Africa after breaking his ankle.

And the man regarded as his deputy, Manchester City’s Wayne Bridge, has asked not to be considered for the national side due to his well-documented fallout with deposed England skipper John Terry.

That has left Capello looking round for alternatives, with Everton’s Leighton Baines and Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock drafted into the squad for last night’s friendly against Egypt at Wembley.

Richardson has more international experience than either of those two, or other contenders for the left-back role such as Villa’s Nicky Shorey and Fulham’s Paul Konchesky.

Earlier in the season Bruce told Richardson that there was no reason why he could not earn a second chance with England and, with Capello still weighing up his options at left-back, there remains an opportunity for the 25-year-old – if he can find some form in the final 11 games of the season.

Bruce said: “The problem with Kieran is he doesn’t particularly like it [playing left-back]. But he is an excellent defender – he is very quick, he is naturally left-footed.

“There could be a late call – who knows?”