Richard Stearman

Richard James Michael Stearman (born 19 August 1987) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Derby County. He is a versatile defender, being able to play in any defensive slot although primarily a centre half or right back.

International Career

Stearman has represented England at Under-17 level in the 2004 European Championships and also at the Under-18 level. He was first called up by the England under-21 squad in November 2007 for the 2009 European Championship qualifiers, however he was an unused substitute in the games. He later received a second call-up from the under-21s when he was selected for a European Championship qualifier against Portugal in September 2008. However, he was again an unused substitute in the game, and again in the qualifying play-offs against Wales in October 2008.

Stearman made his debut in a 2–0 friendly win over the Czech Republic under-21s on 18 November 2008, and a 3–2 defeat to Ecuador on 11 February 2009. Stuart Pearce included him in the squad for the 2009 UEFA U21 championships when centre half and captain Steven Taylor withdrew due to injury.

On 12 March 2011, the Football Association of Ireland confirmed that they had contacted Stearman to play for the Republic of Ireland as he has an Irish grandparent on his mother's side of the family. Irish sources say teammate Kevin Doyle initiated with contact the FAI, who followed up with a call to Stearman. In November 2012, Stephen Hunt declared that Stearman had acquired an Irish passport.