Manchester City defender Micah Richards is happy captain Vincent Kompany is again available.

Kompany has missed City's last four matches after serving a suspension for his controversial sending off in the FA Cup third-round loss to Manchester United.

Richards said: "He has been an unbelievable miss. He is our captain and he and Joleon (Lescott) have been our best central defensive partnership this season.

"He has played well in the big games and is a leader so it will be amazing to have him back and we can't wait to play with him again.

"He has still been coming in the changing room before games and saying how he feels we can improve, and what he would do if he was on the pitch, so he has still been an influence.

"But it's not nice for anyone. All the players and staff wanted him to play and he was kicking himself because it was another harsh decision to give him the ban.

"I am sure when he comes back he will give 110% and help us back to winning ways."