Richards vows to keep working hard

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The 20-year-old insists he is working hard to rediscover his best form for the club.

"People are saying stuff about me looking slower or heavier or whatever but to be honest that's rubbish," Richards told his club's official publication, City Magazine. "If anything I have lost weight and have less body fat than I did last year. We are constantly monitored in both those areas."

He added: "I am working as hard as ever and I don't feel as if I have done anything drastically wrong this season for people to comment on.

"What I don't do is let anything that is thrown at me get in the way of training or learning."

Richards is also determined to win back a place in the England squad, after being overlooked by manager Fabio Capello.

He said: "I take criticism in my stride. All players have dips, and I am staying positive. I know I give 100% in every match.

"Of course I am not the finished article. I have lots to learn and would be a fool to think anything else.

"I believe in my ability and I think City fans know what I am capable of. It is just a matter of finding the form I was in last season."