Micah Richards has been assured that he can bounce back to his Premier League best next season by the man who nurtured the England Under-21 defender's career for the Boy Blues.

Richards is looking formidable out in Sweden as former City manager Stuart Pearce chases European Championship glory after the local hero struggled to find his top form until late in the campaign.

He has been dropped from Fabio Capello's senior squad after winning the first of his 11 full caps at just 18, but City Academy manager Jim Cassell said: "Micah is well aware he has had setbacks, and the expectation is sometimes difficult to live with.

"But he is a terrific talent and a great athlete, and over at Carrington there is great belief in the young players. It can happen in football when a player progresses very quickly and gets a lot of publicity.

"Micah is the youngest to play for his country in that position, and we have to remember he is still only 20. Young players do have a levelling-out period, he had a couple of injuries, and he is still learning the job and maturing.

"He has to take on the challenge, because he has the equipment to do it and is mentally tough. Micah was coming back to his best towards the end of a season we are hoping was one of adjustment for him in the Premier League."

Micah and his City team-mates Nedum Onuoha and Joe Hart are already in the Euro semi-finals before tomorrow night's group finale against Germany, thanks to England's impressive 2-0 midweek victory over favourites Spain.

Premier League rivals will be hovering once City manager Mark Hughes has completed his summer shopping next month, but Richards is clear that he is ready to fight for a place at the City of Manchester Stadium.

He said: "This tournament shows the talent of some of the best young players in the world and it's good to be part of that to show what I can do. You're always trying to prove yourself and I think I've showed my qualities here.

"This is the stage to keep my form going after a season where I played some of my best football at the end. I think I'm back to my best now, having had ups and downs. My confidence is also back so I feel I'm good enough."