| MICAH Richards could return to the City youth team for the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final against Liverpool tomorrow (7.45ko). |
Richards played earlier in the competition before making a successful breakthrough into the first team.
And with seniors not playing this weekend, Richards is expected to be available for selection as City aim to recover from a 3-0 deficit from the first leg at Anfield.
Academy director Jim Cassell is unsure about the impact Richards will have on the pitch but is convinced his star pupil will have a major effect in the 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 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."
Cassell is hoping to rally morale following last Thursday's heavy defeat.
“There is no doubt last week was a major disappointment for us, particularly as all three Liverpool goals could have been avoided," he added.
“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 round." |
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