New-look Kieran Richardson eyes Capello call

Feb 15 2009 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

This season it has been a different story with boss Ricky Sbragia, and his predecessor Roy Keane, both praising Richardson for his work over the close-season.

“Like any player, I want to improve and I made a few changes last summer to help get the best out of myself,” said the 24-year-old.

“They weren’t major things — I feel that I already had a good basis to work from — but I changed my lifestyle and worked harder to get fitter.

“You don’t have to make massive changes to get huge benefits, but I think those changes have paid off.

“Last season was a bad year for me because of the injuries I had but I’ve never doubted my ability.

“Things are starting to click now, but I still know that I have a long way to go and a lot more to give Sunderland.

“I want to become a better player and just keep on progressing.”

Richardson’s all-action midfield displays have made him a crowd favourite on Wearside this season, and he wants to repay them by producing his best form on a regular basis.

“The fans have been great with me since the moment I first signed,” he said.

“The main thing for me was to improve the consistency of my performances. I needed to play well in every game, not just one game in four.

“If you want to be a top player — and I do — you have to play well week-in, week-out.

“I set high standards for myself and I want to live up to them.”