MATT Richards will be looking to grab the ball at Derby tonight if the Blues are awarded a penalty.The bustling, left-footed midfielder is ready to accept the responsibility after Darren Currie missed the Blues' last spot kick at Sheffield United.

By Derek Davis

MATT Richards will be looking to grab the ball at Derby tonight if the Blues are awarded a penalty.

The bustling, left-footed midfielder is ready to accept the responsibility after Darren Currie missed the Blues' last spot kick at Sheffield United.

But Richards knows he may have a fight on his hands.

He said: “I would not shy away from taking a penalty. I would love to take one and I'm confident it would go in. No doubt there would be a queue though, loads of people are waiting to take one. Darren would not give it up willingly either.

“There are plenty of others who are very good at free kicks so it is best to leave it to them at the moment.”

Richards is desperate to add to the two goals he has scored since making his Blues debut under George Burley, and becoming Town's youngest-ever player competing in Europe, at Avenir Beggin.

He played as a defender back then and is relishing his new role in midfield.

Richards said: “I have been enjoying playing there. Getting forward is a big part of my game and so it suits me playing in midfield.

“It would be lovely to get another goal. I have only got two senior goals so I want a few more.

“In training I'm scoring plenty so it is just a case of having a few more cracks at goal and another will come.”

Richards has also enjoyed some memorable times at Pride Park with the Blues losing just one of five visits there.

He said: “It is a great ground with a top pitch and we have had a lot of joy there over the past few seasons.

“Inigo Idiakez is a good player who scores freely so we need to be a bit careful. We need to be strong and solid but we know we are capable of winning there.

“It is just a case of going out and performing.”