Richards eyes U21 call

Man City defender hoping to impress Capello

Last updated: 11th January 2009

Richards eyes U21 call

Richards: Hoping for recall

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Micah Richards has told Stuart Pearce he is ready to play for England Under 21s at the European Championship.

Richards broke into England's senior side under Steve McClaren but has yet to figure for new boss Fabio Capello.

The defender has struggled to find his best form at Manchester City this season and does not appear to be in Capello's plans for the immediate future.

The 20-year-old remains keen to play international football and hopes to be involved with Pearce's squad when they head to Sweden this summer.

"If I am picked I am ready to answer the call for this summer's Under 21 European Championship, no doubt about it," Richards said in the News of the World.

"It is a prestigious competition and with the players England can call on we can certainly give it a go.

"I missed out two years ago with a knee injury but it is a great chance to show Stuart Pearce and Mr Capello that I want to work my way back into the senior side.

"It would be nice to win a trophy with England, it has been a long time since that happened."

Hurt

Richards admits it has been disappointing to see his senior England career stall after such a promising start, although he is ready for the challenge of trying to force his way back into Capello's setup.

"I would be lying if I said it didn't hurt when I was dropped," he recalled.

"I feel I was a little unlucky to get an injury at the wrong time and then Wes Brown and Glen Johnson both came in and did well.

"But it is up to me to fight my way back into the England side."