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Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell targeting England call-up
Blues full-back ready to seize his chance
1 Mar 2010 12:11:00
By Neil Jones
Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell has set his sights on a call-up to Fabio Capello's England squad, as the Italian faces a dilemma over the left-back position.
The 23-year-old has impressed this season as Alex McLeish's men have enjoyed a solid first season back in the Premier League, and told the Daily Star that international honours are top of his list of ambitions.
“I think the great thing about Fabio Capello is that he doesn’t let anybody know who he is looking at," he said, following his side's 1-0 victory over Wigan on Saturday.
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The 23-year-old has impressed this season as Alex McLeish's men have enjoyed a solid first season back in the Premier League, and told the Daily Star that international honours are top of his list of ambitions.
“I think the great thing about Fabio Capello is that he doesn’t let anybody know who he is looking at," he said, following his side's 1-0 victory over Wigan on Saturday.
“You just have to concentrate on your football and everything else will take care of itself.
“I look at it that I am playing left-back and I can also play centre-half as well – [Joleon] Lescott has done the same so you never know.”
Capello faces a tricky decision over who to select at left back, with first-choice Ashley Cole injured, and understudy Wayne Bridge having announced his retirement from international football this week.
Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock, and Leighton Baines of Everton have been named in Capello's 23-man party for Wednesday's friendly with Egypt at Wembley, whilst Manchester City star Lescott can also operate as a left-sided defender.
Yet Blues boss McLeish believes that Ridgewell has been a revelation as a left full-back, and says the former Aston Villa man can keep improving.
“He’s keeping out Gregory Vignal who is a recognised left-back and he’s doing it on merit," said McLeish, "I wondered when I arrived if he could play there because he is a natural footballer, he’s good in the air and gives us a bit of presence. He’s got better with every game.”
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