Micah Richards believes FA Cup win this season could be first of many trophies for Manchester City

Micah Richards,Manchester City(Getty Images)

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Manchester City defender Micah Richards hopes Wednesday’s 3-0 FA Cup fifth round victory over Aston Villa is another step in the right direction as his club look to end a 35-year trophy drought.

The Eastlands club now face Reading in the wuarter-final, with victory setting up the Sky Blues’ first trip to Wembley since the League One play-off final against Gillingham in 1999.

Speaking to reporters, Richards said: “We were a bit surprised when we saw the Villa team sheet because they had some outstanding players on the bench. I don’t know why they did that.

“The competition seems to have opened up. We have got Reading now and, while we don’t want to be complacent, we feel it is a tie we can win.

“My belief is that we can win this competition [the FA Cup] – and most of the things that we’re in – with this squad. It’s important that we don’t get complacent and think we’re there already.”

The 22-year-old also noted how a banner at Manchester United’s Stretford End, counting the number of years since City’s last major trophy in 1976, has served as motivation for the Eastlands club to end their trophy duck.

“Yes, the banner is something that drives the boys on a bit,” he said. “It’s good banter between the two sets of fans, but we don’t think there’s too much in it now between us and United.

“It would be nice to be a part of the team that pulls it down one day. I ’m sure if we can keep working hard, that day will come soon.

“I’ve been in the first team here for five seasons now and haven’t won anything yet and that is a disappointment. You see teams like Birmingham winning the Carling Cup and you do start to wonder.

“But we’ve got a great team now, we’ve got the backing of the chairman, so hopefully times will change and we can win something for the club.

“When we get that first trophy, it would take the pressure off and more could follow. They could start coming thick and fast.”

Richards has had a recent resurgence in form, and as his side push for a Champions League place, his is hopeful his performances will catch the eye of England boss Fabio Capello. 

He continued: “If you ask me to choose between the trophies and the top four, I’m going to be greedy and say I want all three. But to play in the Champions League is everyone’s dream.

“With the team we’ve got and the way we’ve played up to now, it would be a real disappointment if we didn’t get in there. We’ve got great players here already and, once we get that Champions League spot, I would expect more to arrive.

“It was good timing to be back from injury because Mr Capello was in the crowd. I am still desperate to play for England.

“When I get my chance I want to make sure I take it.”