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Micah Richards training with Aston Villa first-team but still a long way from a return

Forgotten man Micah Richards is back training with Villa’s first-team as he again attempts to revive his career.

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The 30-year-old former skipper was among 13 players who took part in the first session under new boss Dean Smith on Monday, during a week which also marked the two-year anniversary of his last Championship appearance.

Richards, who has been blighted by persistent injuries, remains some way from being in contention, having previously been on a special training programme to build his fitness.

Yet Smith will keep tabs on the £35,000-a-week ex-England international, who remains contracted to the club until next June.

He said: “Micah trained with us on Monday morning. He’s not played for a long time so he’s not near fitness to be in contention at all at the moment. But we’ll see how his fitness builds over the next month or two.

“He’s been on a special programme. We’ll see how his body adapts to training minutes as we go.”

Another defender Smith is keeping a close eye on is free agent James Collins.

The 35-year-old, who was invited to train with Villa last month by former boss Steve Bruce, has also worked with the first-team this week after recovering from a hamstring injury.

It remains possible Collins, who spent three seasons at Villa Park earlier in his career, could be offered a short-term deal.

Fixing a defence which has leaked 20 goals in just 12 games is a priority for Smith. Skipper James Chester is available for the head coach’s first-game in charge, against Swansea on Saturday, after serving a one-match ban.

A sell-out crowd is expected at Villa Park, as the hosts aim to end a four-match winless run.