Micah Richards hoping to boost World Cup chances with injury-free season

Manchester City defender Micah Richards is hoping that he can boost his chances to play for England in the 2014 World Cup with an injury-free season.

The 24-year-old made just his sixth start of the campaign in Roberto Mancini's side's win over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, after a series of knee and ankle problems kept him out of action.

"Hopefully next season I will be injury-free and I can show everyone what I can do," Richards told reporters.

"It's a big challenge and it's a World Cup year. Every Englishman wants to be there. I look at my competition there and, in all honesty, I don't see players better than me.

"Hopefully, given a chance, I can do something there as well. I feel I am good enough to be around that set-up. It is about being given a chance."

Richards has made 13 appearances for England since making his debut in 2006.