Micah Richards has taken a hefty pay-cut to continue his career with Aston Villa.

Richards signed for Aston Villa on £60,000-a-week after being on a £75,000-a-week contract at Manchester City.

Richards, 27, took the massive financial hit because he hopes playing regularly for Villa in the Premier League will increase his chances of an England recall, says the Daily Star Sunday.

The versatile defender, who can operate at right back or centre half, last played for England three years ago.