Manchester City defender Micah Richards won't rush his return from knee surgery.

He told MCFCTV: "The knee feels OK now, but I don't want to rush it. I was out for six weeks, did a bit of training on Thursday and now it feels good. I'm not rushing it, and I don't want to put a timescale on it but I think I should be back in full training next week."

Despite the six week break, Richards says he won't hold back when he's back on the training pitch, adding: "It plays on your mind, I'd be lying if I said it didn't. Once you're out there the adrenalin starts pumping and you don't think about it, it's only afterwards that you do. Hopefully when I'm back in training there'll be no swelling on the knee and I'll be able to get some games in before the end of the season.

"All the staff at training have been brilliant, I don't think they get the credit that they deserve. They all tell me that you get out what you put in, so all credit to everyone at Carrington."

More good news for Richards arrived today with his nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, on which he says: "I'm really pleased to have been nominated, especially after having to miss the last few weeks because of my knee injury. It's flattering to be up for the award against so many great players, but I'm the only defender to have been nominated so it's nice to fly the flag for the boys at the back!"