Micah Richards has been appointed Aston Villa team captain ahead of the new season.

Long-serving striker Gabriel Agbonlahor will act as club captain following the departure of Ron Vlaar earlier this summer.

Richards, 27, joined Villa on a free transfer in June after being released by Manchester City.

"On the field our captain will be Micah Richards," manager Tim Sherwood told the club's official website. "He gives us a fresh start, that's for sure. He's someone that's come in and we think Micah is the correct choice to lead the team. He's vocal and leads by example.

"Gabby will be club captain. He knows this club inside out. He will help the young foreign boys who have come over to a different country and to a new club to settle in."

Aston Villa start the new Premier League campaign with a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.