Manchester City defender Micah Richards has stated that he is remaining positive despite the club's latest difficulties.

City remain three points clear at the top of the Premier League table but have recently been eliminated from both cup competitions.

Roberto Mancini's side have also been without a number of key players with Vincent Kompany suspended, while Yaya and Kolo Toure are currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Richards, however, is backing his side to remain strong in the title run-in. The 23-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Obviously Mario [Balotelli] is suspended but we have got a boost now with Vinny coming back.

"We have other stuff going on as well but we will keep strong and we will look forward to our next game, which is Everton. We will go there and try to get a win."

Richards is just three short of 200 appearances for City.