By Chris O'Brien
September 19 2005

Kieran Richardson is determined to make the vacant left-back spot is own after Gabriel Heinze's horror injury. The England international impressed at Anfield on the weekend as he started in United's depleted backline. After an impressive display at Anfield, youngster Kieran Richardson is determined to keep his place in the Manchester United starting line-up. The 20-year-old filled in for the injured Gabriel Heinze at left-back on Sunday, and is now hungry to make the unfamiliar defensive spot his own following his first league start for the club.

Richardson came up through the United ranks as a midfield player, and after impressing on loan at West Bromwich Albion has since made 3 appearances on the left flank for England. However, the former West Ham player is happy to revert to backline duties in the red jersey.

"I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately for Gabi, he's picked up a bad injury but all I can do is keep training well and do my best when I get the chance. If it's good enough I'll stay there, but if it's not I know I'll be out of the team.” said Richardson.

"Concentration is the most important thing. The gaffer and my defensive team-mates have been giving me a lot of tips during training and games and the more I play in that position the better I'll become. I played there during pre-season and I know I just need to keep gaining experience."

United are suffering badly in the defensive department at the moment with numerous injury problems. Wes Brown, Gary Neville, Quinton Fortune and Roy Keane are all joining Heinze in the treatment room with John Spector out on loan with Charlton providing a great opportunity for the hungry Richardson.