The 21-year-old defender is optimistic about the future after recovering from a bout of swine flu.

City have made a number of major signings in the summer, drafting in Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry.

Richards, who could return in the friendly against Barnsley on Saturday, said: "A top-six finish is definitely realistic and with the players we have now I think it is a must.

"We have made some unbelievably good signings and I am sure expectation levels will be higher.

"But I am looking forward to it, feeling good and raring to go. The first challenge is getting into the side. No-one is sure of a place if they are not playing well.

"These are exciting times and the young lads who have come through the system will not let it faze them. Expectations will be raised in the dressing room as well as outside it."

Richards added on www.mcfc.co.uk: "There has been a lot of criticism that we have been spending for no reason but the top clubs have had big money to spend for years.

"It is always going to be hard when you are spending money. People will be in your ear but the best way to answer critics is through results on the pitch."