Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson has no problem playing at left-back.

He said: "The first time I played there was in the Champions League and Sir Alex Ferguson said I did well and I carried on there for most of the season.

"I trained as a left back which meant that I had the best player in the world running at me in training in Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Obviously you're going to learn quickly because you won't come up against anyone better. We are both quick and he might get past me but I would be back straight away. We had some good battles.

"I know now the name on the front of the shirt is more important than the one on the back, so I will play anywhere for Sunderland. One of the things Sir Alex said to me was that good players can play anywhere on the pitch. I do feel as though I could do that now."

Richardson even has an eye on Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

He added: "It's a possibility that playing at left back could be my passport to South Africa. Ashley Cole is the best left back in the world, then there is Wayne Bridge and who else? If I keep playing well for Sunderland it could be a way in."