Source: Team_Talk
Ridgewell backs Blues defenders
Ridgewell believes himself, Roger Johnson and Scott Dann could eventually push for the national-team squad.[LNB]Blues have one of the meanest defences in the Premier League, having conceded just 26 goals in 25 games, and they have played a major role in securing a top 10 position.[LNB]They have also helped City to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with Ridgewell scoring a last-gasp winner in Saturday's 2-1 win at Derby.[LNB]Ridgewell is aware of the injury problems facing Capello with his former Aston Villa team-mate Gary Cahill definitely ruled out of the World Cup and Ashley Cole doubtful with his broken ankle.[LNB]And, while South Africa may come too soon for the Birmingham players, Ridgewell feels they are definitely worth coming under consideration.[LNB]He said: "Cahill had a chance of going to the World Cup and, with Ashley Cole injured as well, it certainly gives our players a chance.[LNB]"There are a lot of centre-halves out there who will want to go to the World Cup and they've got to try their best to get in there.[LNB]"It will be hard for Roger Johnson and Scott Dann to sneak a place because they've not had much Premier League experience but, if they continue their current form, then they might push for the squad one day.[LNB]"I've been playing centre-half and left-back as well and hopefully I've shown - like Joleon Lescott - that I can one day play for England as well.[LNB]"Capello has obviously got to look elsewhere with people getting injured - so hopefully he will come and watch myself and others in action."[LNB]Ridgewell is also optimistic of signing a new contract with City in the next few weeks with his current deal expiring in the summer.[LNB]He said: "I've had a brief discussion about the contract and we are looking to press on. I want to get it done and dusted.[LNB]"Hopefully we can get it kicked on in the next few weeks. I certainly don't want to leave it until the end of the season."[LNB]Ridgewell is relieved to be in the last eight of the FA Cup after Blues had to recover from falling behind to a Jay McEveley goal at Pride Park.[LNB]Dann notched the equaliser before Ridgewell followed up his injury-time leveller against Tottenham a fortnight ago with the late winner.[LNB]He said: "The big teams don't play well but still get the results and we took a leaf out of their book.[LNB]"It was a difficult day. Derby are a good side, they've had good results lately and, once they get in front, they are difficult to break down. We got two set pieces, took advantage and are grateful to get the win.[LNB]"I got a few goals when I was at Villa. I got six in one season from going up for free-kicks and corners and had a bit of a dry patch last season.[LNB]"I've just kept on trying to get on the end of the ball when it comes into the box and to try and get it on target and into the net.[LNB]"Goals from other areas are priceless because you can't just rely on the centre-forwards all of the time.[LNB]"Obviously, they have got to get their fair share but everyone else has got to chip in. I've got three this season and hopefully I can get many more."[LNB]Derby boss Nigel Clough believes his side need six more wins to guarantee Campionship survival.[LNB]He said: "We've played like we did against Birmingham since the Plymouth game away when we lost 1-0. We said when we lost there, we'd take that performance every day of the week.[LNB]"We've got 16 games to go, we need to win six of them to get to 54 points.[LNB]"The sooner we do that, the better, and as long as play like we did against Birmingham and in the last few weeks, that will be fine.[LNB]"We're out of the FA Cup. We'd love to be in the hat but it's all about Preston on Tuesday for us in the Championship."[LNB][LNB]
