Source: SKY_Sports
Richards sets top-six target
Micah Richards believes a top-six finish is well within Manchester City's reach next season.
The Blues narrowly missed out on European qualification in last season's Premier League, finishing three points behind seventh-placed Fulham after a string of big-money signings.
And while Richards has been laid low with a bout of swine flu this summer, City have flexed their muscles in the transfer market again by swooping for Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Richards could return alongside the Blues' new recruits in Saturday's friendly at Barnsley and the 21-year-old defender knows there is stiff competition for places in Mark Hughes' new-look City squad.
"A top-six finish is definitely realistic and with the players we have now I think it is a must," he told the official club website.
"We have made some unbelievably good signings and I am sure expectation levels will be higher.
"But I am looking forward to it, feeling good and raring to go.
"The first challenge is getting into the side. No-one is sure of a place if they are not playing well.
"These are exciting times and the young lads who have come through the system will not let it faze them. Expectations will be raised in the dressing room as well as outside it."
Richards also hit back at claims City are paying above the odds and that some of their star signings have only moved to Eastlands for the money.
"There has been a lot of criticism that we have been spending for no reason but the top clubs have had big money to spend for years," added the England international.
"It is always going to be hard when you are spending money. People will be in your ear but the best way to answer critics is through results on the pitch."
