Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says Kieran Richardson can play his way into England's World Cup squad.

Bruce said: "We are crying out for a natural left-sided player.

"What options are there? Ashley Young and Stewart Downing at Aston Villa are the only ones I can think of.

"I have spoken to Kieran, and told him if I play him out there he can stake a claim for that role with England.

"He is a very good player and he broke into the England team when he was young.

"He has matured a lot since then, so why cannot he get back into the national side again?"