Kieran Richardson insists he is not concerned about returning to the England Under 21s.
Kieran Richardson insists he is not concerned about returning to the England Under 21 side after playing for the seniors - saying he has not played enough football to warrant a place in Steve McClaren's side.The 22-year-old Manchester United man played in England's Euro 2008 qualifying defeat in Croatia, along with the friendly draw against Holland.
However, he will miss out on the qualifying double-header against Israel and Andorra as he has returned to the Under 21 side, which will play the first competitive match at the new Wembley on Saturday.
Richardson insists that there are no bitter feeling about being left out of the senior squad, and admits he has to work hard to get back into the squad.
"There are no mixed feelings for me not being involved in Tel Aviv because I am not playing regularly for my club side and don't feel I deserve to be at this moment in time," he said.
"But playing at any level for your country is a great honour.
"My aim is to get back into the full squad but if I have to go back to go forward that is fine by me.
"We have got a great squad at Manchester United and I am sure I will get my chance again.
"If you are playing well for your club you have always got a great chance of playing for your country."
Richardson scored twice on his England debut nearly two years ago against USA following a loan spell at West Brom, and he admits he is finding it hard to get regular football back at Old Trafford.
"United are playing so well at the moment and the starting XI is doing so well so when you come into the side it is very hard and you have play so well," he added.
"I am a Manchester United player and have still got two years left on my contract.
"I really enjoy my time there and if my gaffer decides he doesn't want me anymore I would think about it, but he does want me and I love playing for Manchester United."
Cristiano Ronaldo's form for United has limited Richardson's chances to break into the midfield at Old Trafford, but he says it is a delight to train with a player he thinks is the best in the world. "In the game against Middlesbrough one of their players tried to kick him," Richardson added.
"He is a great player and people might want to try and injure him. They should worry about their own game.
"Ronaldo is by far the best player in the world at the moment. It is great to train alongside him every day and you can learn a lot of things from him. He has raised the bar and it is our job to try and get to that kind of level."
