Aston Villa No2 Ray Wilkins is backing Micah Richards to shine this season.

The former Manchester City defender joined on a Bosman from Manchester City this summer.

Wilkins said: “It is a good bit of business getting Micah. He is a good age and is as strong as an ox.

“He is looking very sharp again and I've been very impressed with him.

“I think he does have something prove and has had a lot of doubters in his career.

“Having seen him in pre-season I think he will prove a number of people wrong."