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

Richards said: "People are saying stuff about me looking slower or heavier or whatever but to be honest that's rubbish.

"If anything I have lost weight and have less body fat than I did last year. We are constantly monitored in both those areas.

"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."

staying positive

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 per cent 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."