Richardson Deserves England Recall - Keane

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Sunderland celebrate Kieron Richardson's winner against Newcastle

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Kieran Richardson has won eight caps for England in his career so far, the last of which came two years ago. But the Sunderland midfielder's fitness and form have been so good recently that his club manager is encouraging England boss Fabio Capello to take a look at the player during next week's friendly with Germany in Berlin.

When asked about Richardson's international prospects, Sunderland boss Roy Keane responded positively.

"Can he get back in the England team?" the Irishman said, "Absolutely, 100%, there is no doubt in my mind that he can do that.

"Over the last few months, I wouldn't say I was shocked, but I have been absolutely delighted with him. He has been brilliant."

The player joined Sunderland from Manchester United for £5.5 million 16 months ago, but his first season on Wearside was disrupted by a spinal injury. When he was fit, his performances in the first team were indifferent.

This season, claims Keane, the left-sided midfielder returned from the summer break a changed player, whose attitude now is something he can be proud of.

"Kieran has a great chance of being a future captain. His whole attitude around the place, in the canteen, the attitude to the staff, is spot on. He will get his rewards one way or the other," Keane continued.

"We want workrate from the players. The best example of that at our football club is Kieran Richardson. He has come back after the summer and his attitude has been spot on. His performance on Saturday, I thought it was outstanding.

"Kieran is climbing back to the level he was at three or four years ago. And that was when his potential was as an England player. He was away in the USA scoring a couple of goals for England, he was the main man out there."

One notable aspect of Richardson's season has been his deadline from free-kicks. With David Beckham close to retiring, maybe England have another dead ball specialist just waiting in the wings.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com