Micah Richards backed for England

England under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has stated that it is only a matter of time before Micah Richards get a call-up to the senior side.

Three Lions boss Fabio Capello has preferred Glen Johnson at right back for the national side, with the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Kyle Walker also selected ahead of the Manchester City defender.

Despite the Italian coach apparently overlooking Richards, Pearce feels he will be involved with the national team should his good form continue.

“Fabio and I speak about players all the time,” Pearce told The Daily Mail.

“Micah is one of those who came on the scene and had a meteoric rise. His career stopped a little bit, then it went up again and this season his performances have been really strong.

“I speak with Micah and my advice to him is “You just have to keep at it”. I say to him your performances at club level will have to keep putting pressure on the England manager if you are consistent enough.

“He has to say to his international manager “come and have a look at me” because all the scouting assessments say he is playing very well. He has improved this season.

“The one thing he is doing is playing for a club who are owned by multi-millionaires – they are the richest club in the world – and he is keeping his place in the team. That tells you something,” the Team GB boss concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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