JEMIAH Richards says he is ready to repay manager Richard Dryden’s faith in him.

The towering centre-half has been given the nod to replace the suspended Ollie Barnes for this afternoon’s trip to Hampton and Richmond.

Richards arrived at St George’s Lane in the summer as a defender but made a name for himself as a makeshift striker early in his City career.

He has since returned to his defensive position in the reserves and was a more than able deputy for Jon Richardson in the 2-0 defeat against Team Bath last month.

Boss Dryden is confident in Richards’ ability and the player is ready to make his mark.

“I am looking forward to playing,” he said. “I am a footballer so I would like to start more games but if I am on the bench so be it.

“It’s up to me to push on and play as well as possible. The gaffer has given me the opportunity this weekend so hopefully I can grab it with both hands.”

“I have got to enjoy it, play my game and give the gaffer a headache whether to keep me or go with Ollie.

“I have been told to head the ball, kick it and be aggressive because that’s what we have been lacking.”

Richards knows City have to improve on their recent performances but believes the squad is capable of climbing the Blue Square South table and challenging for the play-offs.

He said: “It’s been disappointing, but we would have taken being close to the play-offs after 10 games.

“We have dropped off in the last two weeks but we have got the players to push for promotion. I think it’s beause we set our standards so high very early.”

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