IT was as if he had never been away, and Matt Richards loved every minute of it.The 19-year-old defender inspired Blues to their comeback draw at Crewe when he went on as a half-time substitute at left back.

By Derek Davis

IT was as if he had never been away, and Matt Richards loved every minute of it.

The 19-year-old defender inspired Blues to their comeback draw at Crewe when he went on as a half-time substitute at left back.

Richards had managed just 10 minutes of first-team action in the past three games before being called upon to relieve Drissa Diallo at Crewe.

He said: “I have had a bit of practice in the reserves so I felt comfortable.”

His arrival allowed Town to attack more and push Crewe back, and the game swung in the Blues' favour.

Richards said: “We got the defensive shape right in the second half and that allowed Fabian and I the freedom to get forward.

“That helped out the midfield and the forwards. Westy played really well second half, attacking the full back and supplying balls into the box.

“Even Kelvin (Davis) nearly scored - he and Lewis (Price) are trying to beat each other.

“In the end we were a bit unfortunate not to nick all three points.”

The one-cap (so far) England Under-21 international warned that Town could not afford to be so lax in the future.

He said: “We were sloppy first half but we got it right in the second half.

“We will need to get it right against QPR. They can score goals so we need to be on our toes and look at keeping a clean sheet.

“It was disappointing not to get the win to make sure we stayed top, and now Wigan have edged ahead again.”

The Academy gradate will be 20 on Boxing Day so knows he has time on his side, but the defender is looking to regain his regular starting position.

He said: “I will bide my time, force my way in and when I get the chance take it and try and make that position my own again.”

The youngster, who made his Ipswich first-team debut in the UEFA Cup, will make his 70th league appearance for Town if selected at Loftus Road on Saturday.