Micah Richards is backing Manchester City teammate Michael Johnson to follow him into the full England squad.

In his column for BBC Sport Online, Richards wrote: "He has been playing for England Under-21s but his aim has got to be the senior team.

"Obviously it is not going to be easy with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Owen Hargreaves and Gareth Barry in his position.

"But he is still only young and, in time, I believe he will play in centre midfield for England.

"It has definitely helped Johnno having Didi Hamann playing alongside him for City.

"I don't think Didi has had enough credit this season. He has been one of our best players and he is very under-rated."