Micah Richards is ready to grab any opportunity with both hands, after injury setbacks landed him on the Manchester City sidelines for six months.
The 24-year-old, who made his return against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night, has watched fellow right back Pablo Zabaleta shine in his place this season.
However, Richards is prepared to work hard to earn time on the pitch and he will not waste the chance when he gets there.
“It is going to be hard to get back in,” he said. “But you know what football is like, one minute you are in and the next you are out.
“When I am in I am going to have to take my chance.
“Five-and-a-half, six months – it is quite frustrating to be out so long.”
Richards completed 83 minutes on Wednesday – his first competitive football since an ankle problem recurred against Swansea in October.
And, as well as watching Zabaleta thrive, the England defender was frustrated to see Manchester United run away with the Premier League title.
“It has definitely been frustrating, especially when you see United top of the league,” said Richards.
“After last season I thought we would have kicked on and maybe been a bit better, maybe retained it.
“We haven’t done that but I think next season we will regroup and hopefully we will get it back.”
Richards expects Zabaleta to return and feature at right back for the rest of the year, due to the Argentinian’s outstanding form.
He is content to slowly nurture his ankle back to full strength and mount a full challenge on the position next season.
“Last time after injury I almost tried to rush back. This time I don’t want to rush back,” added Richards.
“For me it is just getting back, getting some minutes under my belt, just to play 80 minutes was enough for me for now.
“I will just keep training, working hard, trying to get fitter and stronger.”
Image courtesy of CityTV, via YouTube, with thanks.
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