Micah Richards fit to face Blackpool
Manchester City defender Micah Richards has reported that he has recovered from his hamstring problem ahead of City's away trip to Blackpool on Sunday, October 17.
Richards, who has made five league appearances for Roberto Mancini's star-studded team this season, said he hopes to be picked to play against the Premier League newcomers.
"I'm training more or less 100 percent now, and it feels like I'll be in contention again for Sunday. It was important I didn't rush it because you can't afford to take chances with hamstrings," the 22-year-old told City's official website. "But it feels
a lot better now, and hopefully I can get straight back into the form that I started the season in."
The robust right-back came up through the youth ranks at the club, joining the senior team in 2005.
Richards was praised by City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson at the start of the 2007-08 season, during which he established himself in Steve McClaren's national team (England) before suffering a prolonged lay-off due to a knee injury.
But England's youngest-ever defender, who made his senior international debut at 18, had to give up the right-back position for England to Liverpool's Glen Johnson last season. He has since continued to feature for England's U-21 team, which he also captains.
With his hamstring cured, Richards will now hope to remain fit and regain his place at City. While Sunday's game is against a former Championship side, the Englishman said he expects a stern test at Bloomfield Road.
"I think [Blackpool has] surprised a few people by how well they've started. I watched the highlights of their game against Liverpool, and people were saying they were lucky, but you don't come away with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield just through luck!"
City are currently second in the table, with 14 points from seven games. They trail leaders Chelsea by four points.
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