Micah enjoying new lease of life under Mancini

MANCHESTER City defender Micah Richards has regained his focus and form during manager Roberto Mancini's first year in charge.

And he feels there would be no better way to celebrate that anniversary than with a home victory over Everton tonight.

That result would see City go top of the Premier League, a measure of their progress under Mancini, who replaced Mark Hughes in the run–up to Christmas, 2009.

City are on course for a place in the Champions League, having already secured a spot in the Europa League's last 32 with Aris Salonika of Greece their next opponents.

Richards, who skippered the side in the draw with Juventus in midweek, said: "I enjoy playing football, but it went a bit sour under Mark Hughes. Not because of him, I only blame myself for that.

"Roberto Mancini has given me a lot of confidence. I'm back in the England team and hopefully I can continue to play well.

Richards — a product of the Latics school of excellence — claims City have reasons to be cheerful going into the second half of the season with Mancini.

"We always said, give him time and he would produce the goods. He's come in last year, changed the club around and he's done ever so well. We are getting good results.

"He's happy, the players are happy and we're just looking forward to the future. We're all excited about what we can achieve together."