Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has called on Micah Richards to improve in order to make the England right-back slot his own.
Richards often found himself behind Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker in the pecking order under former England boss Fabio Capello, and Mancini believes that his departure could lead to more opportunities for the defender.
However, the City manager has warned Richards that he must improve if he wants to oust his national team rivals.
"Micah has everything to become a top full-back. I think he has improved a lot in the last year but he can still improve, he can do better," said the former Inter Milan man.
"At this moment for the national team, probably Johnson or Walker are better. But I don't want to say Micah can't play for the national team - if he wants, Micah can play always.
"If one England manager has a choice of three - Johnson, Walker, Micah - one of these players stays out. I think Micah can really be a top full-back but he needs to improve."
Richards hasn't played for England since November 2010 and will be keen to win a spot in the squad for this year's European Championships.
Barney Corkhill
