Ball backed for England recall

The 28-year-old left back won his only international cap in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first game in charge of England, the 3-0 win over Spain in February 2001, when he was at Everton.

Ball has forced his way back into the Blues’ starting line up of late, and his defensive colleague, who has known him since their very early days at Everton, thinks he should be on the new England manager’s radar.

Richard says, “The way Michael’s going at the moment, and if everyone is starting with a clean slate as far as Fabio Capello is concerned, he has to be in with a great shout of getting back in the England squad.

“A lot of people around the country will not have seen him with him playing for Rangers and with PSV in Holland, but every day in training he’s a top player, you cannot get around him. He’s a typical, strong defender but he is also very comfortable on the ball.

“I think that a few people who knew Bally & myself when we were younger would be surprised at what we are doing now. He’s been a brilliant defender ever since I have known him, when we were about 15 or so.”

As well as noticing a maturity about Michael’s approach these days, Richard accepts that he has grown up a lot as he now expects more of himself.

“I’ve got more pride about myself now, I want to be the best player out on the pitch every week whereas when I was younger I was just happy to be playing. It takes a touch of maturity to realise how fortunate you are, and how much of a chance you have. I challenge myself every week to make sure I’m worth a place in the side.”

Tim Oscroft