Richards' form no shock to McClaren

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The 19-year-old defender has made a seamless transition from the Premier League with Manchester City to international ranks.

"From day one, Micah just breezed in. He was vocal, aggressive and he wanted the ball. He had no fear and that is the way he performs," said McClaren.

Richards enhanced an already glowing reputation by powering home his first England goal on Saturday to complete the 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifying round win over Israel at Wembley.

His stunning rise to prominence means that for the first time in a decade, Gary Neville has genuine competition for England's right-back jersey, with some even feeling Richards has now shot past the vastly experienced Manchester United man.

Yet Richards' amazing form has come as no surprise to McClaren, who made the Birmingham-born player the youngest defender in Three Lions history when he picked him for the friendly in Holland last November.

"You always get a feeling from the first day of training what a player can be like," said McClaren.

"Yes, their form at club level might be good, they would not have been picked otherwise, but you want to know whether than can handle the situation, whether they can mix well and whether they have the character."