By Chris O'Brien
October 14 2005

Kieran Richardson's thigh injury is not as serious as first feared and the midfielder will only be out for about 10 days. The United youngster had hidden the injury before going away on international duty with England. Kieran Richardson will be out injured for about 10 days after aggravating a thigh strain whilst on international duty and will now miss United’s Premiership clash at Sunderland.

The versatile midfielder is thought to have picked up the injury before joining up with the England squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers. Richardson hid the injury from Old Trafford medical staff due to his hunger for more international experience, but has strained the injury yet further after appearing as substitute against Austria.

Sir Alex Ferguson sounded unhappy at Richardson’s actions, but admitted the player was merely desperate to represent his country.

"He had a tight thigh muscle before he joined up with England which he didn't tell anyone at the club about. So his enthusiasm to go and play for his country has caused this really." said the Scotsman.

United are now really struggling defensively and Ferguson will call in Phil Bardsley at right-back and move O’Shea to the left side of defence. Mikael Silvestre and Rio Ferdinand will start at the heart of the backline, with exciting teenage Spaniard Gerard Pique making the substitutes bench.

“England recognised the injury and sent him for a scan on Monday but nothing really showed up. He tried jogging on Tuesday but in the end they sent him back to us. I think he'll be out for around seven to 10 days. Phil Bardsley will come into the side."