Micah Richards was delighted to see former Manchester City academy teammates Kevin Etuhu and Ched Evans make their senior breakthrough's in this week's Carling Cup victory over Norwich.

In his column for BBC Online, the England defender wrote: "I'd prefer to play, but it is good the manager is giving youngsters their chance with Kelvin Etuhu and Ched Evans making their debuts and Shal Logan enjoying his home bow.

"It means 25 players have come through City's academy to play for the first team since it was set up in 1998, which is pretty impressive.

"I was bit disappointed that Ashley Grimes wasn't in the squad though because I rate him very highly, but I am sure his chance will come soon."