Micah Richards says playing regular football with Manchester City -
rather than being part of a rotation system at one of the top four
clubs - will enhance his chances of becoming a first choice with
England.
He would have seen Shaun Wright-Phillips make his move from City to
Chelsea and suffer two years of frustration as mainly a bit-part
player before finally emerging from the shadows this season.
Richards said: "I think it is important to play regularly at club
level to help you with England. I think it is vital. If you are
playing week in and week out, you are getting the best performances
out of yourself.
"When you go to a big club, a top-four side, and you seem to be
rested 10 games out of 20, as a youngster like me coming through I
don't think that is ideal.
"I think it is better for me to be playing week-in and week-out for
my England chances.
"That was an influence in my decision to stay at Manchester
City."
Long-term, Richards wants to play as a central defender for England
- the role he operates in primarily for City.
