Micah, back in training after a hamstring injury ruled him out for England Under-21s, has spent his career with the Blues but admits: “I can’t remember the last time I went for a day out to Blackpool!
“It would be the first time I’ve ever played there if the boss picks me on Sunday and I’ve never been to the Illuminations, ever. I think I’d rather go somewhere I know is definitely going to be sunny, to be honest!
“Blackpool are doing really well though, I think they’ve surprised a few people by how well they’ve started. I watched the highlights of their game against Liverpool, and people were saying they were lucky, but you don’t come away with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield just through luck!”
Under-21 skipper Richards had to watch nervously as Stuart Pearce’s young Lions gained the goalless draw in Romania, allied to a 2-1 first-leg win, that ensured a place in next summer’s European Championship finals.
He said: “It’s a shame about having to miss the Under-21s, but they’ve got through to the finals without me so that’s really pleasing.
“England were also calling up players for the senior squad because of injuries, but that’s just my luck - every time I seem to be doing well, I get a niggling injury that I have to shake off.
“But I’m training more or less 100 per cent now and it feels like I’ll be in contention again for Sunday. It was important I didn’t rush it because you can’t afford to take chances with hamstrings.
“But it feels a lot better now and hopefully I can get straight back into the form that I started the season in.”
Always trying to look on the bright side, Micah smiled: “Maybe this three-week rest without a game will be of benefit later on. It’s a long, hard season, and you have to be fully fit to be able to finish it properly.”
