Sunderland boss Roy Keane says winger Kieran Richardson deserves an England recall.
Keane asked: "Can he get back in the England team?' 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."
Richardson joined Sunderland from Manchester United for £5.5m 16 months ago but saw his first season ruined by a spinal injury and indifferent performances when he was fit. This summer, Keane said Richardson returned a changed player.
"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.
"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."
