Manager Tim Sherwood is confident that defender Micah Richards will prove an "excellent" acquisition at Aston Villa.

On Wednesday, the 26-year-old signed for Villa on a Bosman after his contract at Manchester City expired.

Richards was a prominent figure in the City side that won the Premier League in 2012 but found first-team chances limited when Manuel Pellegrini replaced boss Roberto Mancini.

Nevertheless, Sherwood says that the England international, who spent last season on loan at Fiorentina, has the winning mentality needed to strengthen his squad.

"I'm really pleased to get Micah on board and I'm sure he will prove to be an excellent signing for the football club," Sherwood told Villa's official website.

"Micah is a winner. He helped Manchester City win their first Premier League title in 44 years, has won the FA Cup and has played in the Champions League.

"So we are signing a player who is used to winning football matches. I want players with that winning mentality here. We are also signing a player at his peak. At 26, we are getting him when he should be producing the best football of his career."

Richards had been on the Citizens' books since the age of 13.