Instead of lining up against the Czech Republic at Wembley this week, Richards has been despatched back to the Under-21 side that take on Slovenia in Hull tonight.

The Blues' temporary skipper will be in good company given that he will be hooking up again with former boss Stuart Pearce and will be accompanied by teammates Michael Johnson and Nedum Onuoha.

But there was no hiding his disappointment and determination to make sure that he soon leaps back over United's Wes Brown and Portsmouth's Glen Johnson to land cap No 12.

"It was explained to me that because I had been out for four months with injury that the national coach wanted to see me back in action," said the imposing defender.

"The fact that I am in the under-21s will not affect my game and I aim to make sure it will not be long before I am in the senior squad.

Hopefully I will be back with the big boys again very soon."

Certainly Richard's manager Mark Hughes expects Capello to be knocking on Micah's door sooner rather than later.

"There are a lot of good players available to the England manager but if he had been at Villa he would have seen an outstanding performance from Micah," declared Hughes.

"At the end of the day who Mr Capello picks is his concern and mine is just that Micah comes back from international duty fit and well and ready to go next week."

If he does so then Richards will again captain the City side in the absence of the suspended Richard Dunne. Hughes was pleased he had handed the 20-year-old the armband.

"I thought he led from the front and stuck at it well," reckoned the Blues boss. "He is an organiser and manages to harnesses his athletic ability with a great desire so he could become a real leader."

Richards himself enjoyed leading out the side at Villa Park even if he hated the way the afternoon ended.

"I just go out and give 100 per cent. I am only filling in while Richard (Dunne) is away but of course it is a great honour to lead City," he declared.