Richards Worry for Mcclaren

Micah Richards is a considerable doubt for England's forthcoming internationals after suffering a knee injury that led to him being taken off on a stretcher at the Reebok Stadium during Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Carling Cup last night.

Richards caught his studs in the turf and he is now a considerable doubt for the friendly in Austria on November 16 and, more significantly, the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley five days later - a game that Steve McClaren hopes will still play a decisive part in whether the team reaches next summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

Richards has fitted seamlessly into the England defense while Gary Neville has suffered seven months of injury problems and, even though the Manchester United defender will make his comeback in a reserve game tonight, it would be a setback for McClaren if Sven-Goran Eriksson's worst fears are confirmed.

"He [Richards] has twisted his knee and he will have a scan in the morning," the City manager reported. "He was in a lot of pain but, before that scan, it is impossible to say if it's serious or not."

Asked if he was worried that the 19-year-old might have suffered ligament damage, Eriksson replied: "He seemed much better when I left the dressing room and he said he would be fine - but, of course, I am worried."