Source: Daily_Mail
Consistent Micah plays himself into good books with City boss Hughes
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes believes Micah Richards' hard work is starting to pay off.[LNB]After becoming England's youngest defender three years ago, Richards lost his way somewhat.[LNB]The 21-year-old has been completely overlooked by Fabio Capello and also fell out of favour at City, relegated to second-choiceright-back behind Pablo Zabaleta at the start of this season.[LNB] That's my ball: Micah Richards holds off Arsenal's Fran Merida[LNB]Support: City boss Mark Hughes[LNB]Talk of a move was rife, with Aston Villa believed to be amongst those monitoring developments.[LNB]However, the Birmingham-born star appears to have heeded a few lessons.[LNB]Having forced his way back into Mark Hughes' starting line-up,Richards is beginning to show the ability that prompted Steve McClarento hand him 11 international caps.[LNB]Although City were disappointed to be held at Bolton on Saturday,it was Richards who tore upfield to grab their second equaliser in asix-goal thriller.[LNB]And Hughes feels Richards can now start to fulfil his vast potential.[LNB]"It got to a point where Micah needed to knuckle down," said Hughes. "That is what he has done. He has done really well in recent weeks and is in the team on merit.[LNB]"There is more to come and Micah accepts that. At the moment we arelooking for him to maintain his current level and perhaps surpass it."[LNB]According to Hughes, Richards' problems stem from a common failure in young players, a lack of consistency.[LNB]Former City boss Stuart Pearce was prepared to forgive the oddlapse because Richards had the pace and strength to get himself out oftrouble.[LNB]Now a couple of years older, Richards has found Hughes less willing to tolerate such failings.[LNB]"Micah's form has tended to burn brightly for a couple of games then starts to diminish again," said the Welshman.[LNB]"But recently he has been more solid and his concentration levels have been good. We are reaping the benefits of that.[LNB]"There is a challenge here and everyone has to step up to the mark, embrace it and enjoy it. Micah is doing that." [LNB] Tough tackler: De Jong gets stuck into Manchester United's Anderson[LNB]Richards is expected to be in the City line-up to face Tottenham in a crucial encounter at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.[LNB]Hughes does have a few selection issues though. Craig Bellamy is definitely out following his controversial redcard at the Reebok Stadium, while Shaun Wright-Phillips is a majordoubt after limping off with an ankle injury.[LNB]In addition, Nigel de Jong has been told to stay at home after contracting swine flu.[LNB]"We are trying to get past the contagious stage of the virus," said Hughes. "Nigel might still be an option for Wednesday but he was quite poorly on Friday and we have told him to stay at home."[LNB] Man City midfielder Nigel de Jong ordered to stay away over swine fluVIDEO: Irate Hughes rounds on ref Clattenburg after City draw at BoltonLanguage barrier not a hurdle in Park Park and Tevez's United friendship GRAHAM POLL: Divers are all foreign? No, it's a British diseaseMANCHESTER CITY FC
