He says a Europa League slot would be a scant consolation prize, given the club's ambition and resources.

With four games to go City are in Tottenham's slipstream in the race for fourth place following the derby defeat by Manchester United.

Next up is another tough encounter - a trip to the Emirates Stadium and a meeting with Arsenal on Saturday.

City invested heavily in the summer after finishing 10th last season and Richards insists getting into Europe's top club competition would be the only barometer of their progress.

"With the players we have and the way we have been playing this season fourth would be right, " said the defender.

"Obviously Tottenham have done well but if it was the Europa League the lads would be a bit devastated as we have worked so hard this season. We deserve more than that.

"As a club we would heartbroken but if we do not make it we would just roll our sleeves up for next season.

"When you have people who have played Champions League football, they know what it is about and they know what is needed to get there."

Richards is aiming to return to the squad against Arsenal after sitting out the last four games with a knee problem.

However, he accepts he faces competition for the right-back slot from Nedum Onuoha and Pablo Zabaleta.

Richards said: "I am going to train later this week as long as it is comfortable and hopefully be available for the Arsenal game.

"It is going to be hard for me to walk straight back in after three weeks out but that is up to the manager. All I can do is work hard."

Richards admits time is running out if he is to make a late claim for a place in England's squad for South Africa.

After playing regularly for the under-21s, he has yet to convince manager Fabio Capello of his qualities.

Richards said: "Being injured has put a bit of a damper on things but I am remaining positive by training hard. I will give 100% and take it as it comes."

After the last-gasp derby defeat, the City players are aiming to get back on track today - by going go-karting.

Richards added: "That will take our mind off things and help us relax. We always do stuff together, like going out for dinner or going bowling. All the lads get on."

* Micah Richards was opening a new recording studio for young people at the Sporting Edge Community Centre as part of the Premier League Places for Players scheme. The studio was built with funding from the Brit Trust as part of their support of Manchester City's Kickz project.