Aston Villa skipper Micah Richards can't wait to face old rivals Manchester United in the Friday night encounter at Villa Park.

Richards has been a part of a number of Manchester derbies during his time with Manchester City and is eager to put on a good show when the Red Devils come to town.

"Obviously playing at City for so long, games against United were the big ones for me," he told avfc.co.uk.

"You relished facing them for bragging rights in the city. I'm sure it's the same when Villa play Birmingham City - you have to win these matches.

"Now I'm delighted to be at Villa but my affinity to this fixture is still strong. They'll always be special games to me, coming up against United.

"I can't wait for this first one at Villa. I wish the game was right now."