Terry: Refreshing Richards ready to shine

Micah Richards has already impressed England captain John Terry as he prepares to make his debut in tonight’s friendly international against Holland.

The Manchester City right-back will become his country’s youngest ever defender at 18 years and 144 days as England look to regain their pride in the Amsterdam ArenA after the dismal 2-0 defeat in Croatia.

Richards gets his chance because of Gary Neville’s recurring calf problem and will look to stake a claim to become part of Steve McClaren’s long-term plans.

The teenager, who unwittingly shot to prominence after uttering a four-letter expletive on live television following his equaliser against Aston Villa in last season’s FA Cup, is oozing confidence, according to Terry.

Terry said: “Micah has been very good. When I came first into the England squad I was really nervous and excited at the same time, but you see the young players coming in now and they are so confident in their own ability.

“Micah is full of confidence. He is beating people in training, getting down the wing, putting crosses in and defending fantastically well in one-on-one situations.”