Moyes backs Wright's England dream

Everton manager David Moyes believes goalkeeper Richard Wright, shown here in 2001, can reclaim his place in the England lineup after being recalled to the Premiership team.

Everton manager David Moyes believes goalkeeper Richard Wright can reclaim his place in the England lineup after being recalled to the Premiership team.

Wright has only made three starts for the Goodison Park club in the League Cup this season, but a calf muscle injury to Nigel Martyn in Tuesday's defeat at Charlton has handed the 27-year-old his chance.

"Richard lost his place in the side through injury and because we had bought Nigel who took his opportunity when it came. Now Richard has to take his opportunity," said Moyes of the 27-year-old keeper bought for 3.5million pounds from Arsenal two years ago.

"He will have a run of games in the team now and this could be the chance he needs to propel him back into the England squad. I am sure he can do that if he takes this chance. To me he is still one of the top three or four goalkeepers in the country," Moyes told the Liverpool Daily Post newspaper.

"He has been out for a long time and that has been difficult for him but Nigel's performances have given him no choice but to accept the situation.

"Richard will have to play well to keep Nigel out of the team when he recovers as goalkeeper is the strongest position we have at the club and I am confident he can do it."

Wright won his last England cap in a friendly against Holland in 2002.