Tim Sherwood says that defender Micah Richards has all the capabilities

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood says that defender Micah Richards has all the capabilities to get back into the starting line-up of the England national team.

The former Manchester City player joined Villa in the summer on a free transfer. He had a spell abroad with Italian outfit Fiorentina, but did not pay dividends since England almost forgot the former youth team product of Manchester City. Now that he is getting regular attention from the likes of England manager Roy Hodgson, who attends most of the Villa games, Sherwood believes that the defender has what it takes to return back to the international fold.

At 27 years of age, Richards is just entering into the prime-time in his career. Apart from being an important player in the Villa defence, Richards will also be leaving out the players when they take on Manchester United in front of a sell-out Villa Park. The chance to captain a team is something that Richards had a long time ago. Sherwood believes that this will act as a major motivation for the player to return to his former glory days. Before City were taken over by rich Abu Dhabi owners, Richards was seen as the next big thing at the Eastlands stadium.

“He had very little football last season. But he has had a good pre-season – injury free. If we can keep him healthy, I am sure he will get back in the England squad. I hope he proves to be a real bargain. We are delighted to have Micah here and if he can reproduce what we know he is capable of, we are getting him in his prime. Mind you, bear in mind we don’t pay him an apple and orange a week though! We hope this is the big stage for him to show what he can do,” said Sherwood.