Richards, who skippered City to victory over West Brom on Tuesday night, has only made a couple of first-team appearances since returning from a five-month injury lay-off and says he thinks it is unlikely he will feature against the Latics.
“I’ve not played any part in the FA cup this season, so to play or even be on the bench I think would be harsh on the lads who have worked hard this season to get there,” he said.
“I’ll be there supporting them and I’ll travel down with the boys and wish them all the best. I think they deserve it. We haven’t played the best football this season – certainly not like last season - but I think we definitely deserve to win the FA Cup.”
Richards added he enjoyed the captaincy against the Baggies and is hoping to end the campaign on a high after a nightmare season that has so far yielded just six starts for the Blues.
“I’m fitter now and I feel a little bit sharper than my first time out against Wigan in the league,” he said.
“To be fair, I’d only played 90 minutes, and 60 minutes at centre-half with the reserves. You know the running you have got to do in this team at full-back is hard, and I did find it hard!
But against West Brom I felt sharper and we played three at the back, so my fitness wasn’t too bad and I felt better for having another 90 minutes under my belt.
...Micah Richards
“I thought we played extremely well and kept the ball well at various times of the game, but I think the three points was all that mattered with Chelsea breathing down our necks.
The popular defender also added that he intends to spend the rest of his career with the Blues, having already celebrated a decade in sky blue.
With 232 appearances to date, Micah had played more games for City than any other current squad member.
“I have been here 10 years now and I want to be here another 10 years, whether playing or in the squad,” said the 24-year-old.
“I just want to be here and will only keep giving 100%. Of my competition, Pablo Zabaleta has had an outstanding season, so I will have to bide my time, but when given my chance I will try to take it.”
