Richards set for youth return

First-team star Micah Richards could return to provide Manchester City with the lift they require ahead of tomorrow’s FA Youth Cup final return with Liverpool.

Trailing by three goals from last week’s first leg at Anfield, City desperately require some inspiration and they could receive it in the form of Richards, who played for the Blues earlier in the competition before his startling rise into the senior ranks.

With Stuart Pearce’s squad without a game this weekend, it is expected Richards will be released as City look to overturn the massive deficit.

While academy director Jim Cassell is unsure about the impact Richards will have on the pitch, he is convinced his star pupil can have a major effect in the home dressing room.

“It would be great if Micah was available because he grew up as part of this team,” said Cassell. “All the lads respect him, both as a team-mate and for what he has achieved and it would be nice to think he could play in a final with them.

“I am sure he would have made a difference last week and obviously he would be a welcome presence in the side but it is difficult to say what kind of effect he would have because sometimes boys who have been away in the first team find it difficult adjusting to U18s football again.

“Nevertheless, it can only help us if he is allowed to play, although there will be no comeback from us if he is not.”

After heading into the final with such high hopes, Cassell has been attempting to rally morale following last Thursday’s crushing loss.

Cassell accepts Liverpool deserved their success, yet he is adamant the tie can be turned around at Eastlands tomorrow, provided his side score the first goal.

But, rather than send his players out with that single onerous task to complete, Cassell will instead merely demand victory on the night.

“If you cannot handle disappointment you should not choose football as a profession,” he said.

“There is no doubt last week was a major disappointment for us, particularly as all three Liverpool goals could have been avoided.

“Probably, there is no-one who believes we can win this trophy other than ourselves but we do not think the tie is over, even if we have to be realistic and say it is going to be a huge task to turn it around.

“The main priority is to win the game. Then we can see where the result takes us.”