Onuoha may switch allegiance from England

England Under-21 star Nedum Onuoha is ready to turn his back on the Three Lions and represent Nigeria in the World Cup.

The Manchester City defender was born in the African country but moved to the UK when he was seven.

He has been stalling on a decision on his international future to see what the likelihood was of him making a successful elevation into the senior ranks after being a member of the Under-21 squad that reached last summer's European Championship final.

However, with progression at City - first under Mark Hughes and now Roberto Mancini - Onuoha is keen to hear from Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback ahead of this summer's finals in South Africa.

"I would like to play in the remaining six games for City. If I did that maybe the chance would be there to play for Nigeria," Onuoha told the Manchester Evening News.

"But if I am not playing week in, week out, I wouldn't expect to receive a call from anyone because that wouldn't be right.

"Everyone wants to play in the World Cup, but things have to be right and you have to be selected.

"A lot of people are talking about it as though it is an option but I have never been called up."

Meanwhile, full-back Wayne Bridge is set to return for the Champions League-chasers against Birmingham on Sunday after resuming training following a hernia operation.