With the departure of England boss Fabio Capello, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has challenged Micah Richards to prove he is of international standard. The 23-year-old has been behind Liverpool's Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker of Tottenham in the England pecking order despite his fine form for the Barclays Premier League leaders.

Mancini said: "Micah has everything to become a top full-back. "I think he has improved a lot in the last year but he can still improve, he can do better.

"At this moment for the national team, probably Johnson or Walker are better.

"But I don't want to say Micah can't play for the national team - if he wants, Micah can play always.

"If one England manager has a choice of three - Johnson, Walker, Micah - one of these players stays out.

"Micah played for England with Capello but there are a lot of players in England and one manager can call only 20-22 for a European Championship.

"I think Micah can really be a top full-back but he needs to improve."

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