Roy's revenge! Hodgson picks Kelly after snubbed Richards refused to go on standby list
It is understood Richardsasked not to be put on standby because while Hodgson called other stars to tell them they were not in his 23-man party, he did not call the Richards himself.
Michael Regan
Micah Richards was last night hit with an amazing snub for England's clash with Norway on Saturday after rejecting a Euro 2012 standby slot.
The Premier League-winning right-back has been passed over by Roy Hodgson in favour of rookie Liverpool defender Martin Kelly.
Richards has been left stunned by his treatment after helping his club to win their first title for 44 years.
He was hit with the snub because he declined the chance to go onto Hodgson's standby list for next month's European Championships.
Richards - shortlisted for City's Player of the Year award by fans - was left out of Hodgson's squad favour of Liverpool's Glen Johnson and Manchester United's Phil Jones.
It is understood Richards then asked not to be put on standby because while Hodgson called other stars to tell them they were not in his 23-man party, he did not call the Richards himself.
The defender's call came from Stuart Pearce - who is no longer even part of the England senior set-up.
Last week Richards issued a dignified statement after his shock omission for Poland and Ukraine.
Speaking through City's official website he said: "Of course my initial reaction is to be gutted but a manager is there to pick a squad and he cannot pick everyone.
"No one will be cheering louder than me for England when the championships start.
"My really good mates from City and other clubs will be playing and of course I want my country to win."
But he is understood to be devastated that his efforts this season have not been recognised with a call-up for Euro2012.
Despite Kelly's promise there was widespread disbelief at Richards' treatment last night.
The 22-year old Anfield full-back, capped for England at Under-21 level, will go back to his club after Saturday's game in Oslo.
He has been drafted in while Chelsea's Champions League-winning players enjoy some extra time off.
But those Chelsea players include Ashley Cole, John Terry and Gary Cahill - a right back and two centre halves.
And with England struggling for right-back options with injuries to Tottenham's Kyle Walker and Manchester United's Chris Smalling it is a major blow for Richards who can also play in central defence.
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/roy-hodgson-has-picked-martin-kelly-844332#.T7wRXl9MpT8.twitter" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/ ... T8.twitter</a>