Source: SKY_Sports
Richards targets late charge
Micah Richards has called upon his Manchester City team-mates to help the club into Europe this season.[LNB] A top-seven finish in the Premier League could be enough to see the Blues rescue a campaign which promised much, but has delivered little.[LNB]Their continued involvement in the Uefa Cup, which has now reached the quarter-final stage, means they could secure a place in next season's inaugural Europa League by winning that competition, but they face stiff opposition in the pursuit of that goal.[LNB]Therefore a positive end to their domestic fixture list looks like presenting them with their best route back into continental action.[LNB]City currently sit three points behind Wigan in the race for seventh place, but Richards is confident Mark Hughes' men can overhaul their North West rivals.[LNB]"The season has been a bit typical of City, a bit up and down, but we have momentum now," the England international told the club's official website.[LNB]Aim"We've been getting a little bit of stick this season but as long as our home form continues like it is then we'll be alright.[LNB]"Europe was always our aim and we can really push on for that again next season.[LNB]"With our team we should never be in a relegation battle, we have to look at the top end. We've been up and down this season but we'll put it right."[LNB]City's hopes of securing a European place have been boosted by the news that Benjani Mwaruwari and Daniel Sturridge are pushing for a first-team return.[LNB]The pair came through a reserve outing on Tuesday night unscathed and are now looking to build up their match fitness ahead of the season run-in.[LNB]Hamstring troubles have restricted Benjani to just 12 appearances for the Blues this term, while Sturridge has been sidelined for the last two months with an ankle problem.[LNB]
