Richards was an Arsenal fan as a youngster and could be seen playing football in the streets of the Chapeltown area of in Leeds wearing the shirt of Gunners legend Vieira.

But he was also a big fan of Keane and the way he stamped his authority on a game.

Now Richards wants to make his own mark by being hard but fair as he prepares for England's vital Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel at Wembley on Saturday.

He said: "When I was young I supported Arsenal and Vieira - and Keane - were my two favourite players.

"Vieira was all over the pitch and Keane had his great leadership skills as well

"They were great box-to-box players and I would wear the Vieira shirt on the streets when I was young.

"They were also intimidating and I must admit if you go into a tackle with a bit of venom you find you get a bit more respect from players.

"It's all right if it is fair."

Richards is a level-headed character who has not forgotten the area he was brought up in and he still keeps in touch with his school friends.

But he wants to follow his father Lincoln in playing his part in a soccer school being set up for under-privileged children in Ethiopia.

He said: "My dad is is out in Africa in Ethiopia setting up a soccer school for kids for three years, just trying to give kids a chance.

"I hope to get involved in that myself in the next couple of years. Sometimes you only get one chance in life and if you can help others, that's great.

"I come from a rough area in Chapeltown and a lot of people around there didn't have things so I know what that sort of thing is about."

On the playing side Richards sees his long-term future with England in the centre-half role he is generally used in by Sven-Goran Eriksson at Manchester City.

But he is content to operate in the right-back role for England as long as he is required by Steve McClaren and impressed there against Germany last month.

He said: "While I am still young and fresh, I don't mind playing right-back. You get to go up and down and get more involved in the attacking play.

"It is strange playing there once every few weeks with England when you have been playing centre-back with your club, It is a bit different but you get used to it."