Micah is back on the mend
Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 11:57 amMicah Richards is aiming to return to action in Saturday's Premier League clash with Blackburn after missing out on a European Championship qualifier double bill with England Under-21s.
A chest infection late last week forced Micah, now 22, to stand down from the squad when he should have been leading out Stuart Pearce's side in their group matches against Portugal and Lithuania.
He said today: "I really felt under the weather but I do feel a lot better now. I was coughing and being sick. I trained yesterday and felt better. Hopefully, I'll be OK for the weekend. I can't wait to get back on a pitch.
"I missed a crucial game against Portugal on Friday but we managed to win that with Daniel Sturridge's goal. I'm gutted to miss out - there's another one at Colchester today against Lithuania that I'll miss.
"I'm happy for Daniel - he made his choice to move to Chelsea and it was a difficult decision for him, but he's playing for the Under-21s and it's worked out for him, so I'm pleased.
"It's unfortunate for me but I'll be OK for next time I hope. I was proud to be made skipper by Stuart Pearce, who I obviously know well from his time at the club.
"That was nice of him, it's a real honour
to captain your country"
It is a measure of Richards' professional approach that he is still mulling over the late penalty he conceded ten days ago at the Stadium of Light as City succumbed to the first defeat of the season.
He said: "I'm happy with my form, but I was gutted to give away the penalty at Sunderland. I think he would have scored anyway. But it was annoying for it to be in the last minute after I'd done alright.
"I was just about to head it clear when it took a deflection off Vincent, I think. But if you look at the replay, he's definitely going to put it in the back of the net. It's unfortunate, but it happens."
mcfc.co.uk