Manchester City's Micah Richards hails the return of Vincent Kompany: He has been an unbelievable miss

Manchester City defender Micah Richards welcomed the return of captain Vincent Kompany ahead of their match away to Everton on Tuesday.

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The centre back has now served a four match suspension following his controversial sending off in City’s FA Cup third round loss to Manchester United.

In his absence, City were defeated by Liverpool over two legs in their League Cup semi-final, and claimed narrow victories over Wigan and Tottenham in the league.

Speaking to The Evening Standard, he said: "He [Kompany] has been an unbelievable miss. He is our captain and he and Joleon [Lescott] have been our best central defensive partnership this season."

With Kolo Toure away with the Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations, 21-year-old Stefan Savic has featured in Kompany’s place, but the inexperienced Montenegro international has appeared vulnerable, making mistakes that have led to goals for Tottenham and Liverpool.

The Belgian international, however, has been in commanding form throughout the season with Richards pointing out his performances in the big games.

He continued: "He has played well in the big games and is a leader so it will be amazing to have him back and we can't wait to play with him again.

"He has still been coming in the changing room before games and saying how he feels we can improve, and what he would do if he was on the pitch, so he has still been an influence.

"But it's not nice for anyone. All the players and staff wanted him to play and he was kicking himself because it was another harsh decision to give him the ban.

"I am sure when he comes back he will give 110% and help us back to winning ways."

Richards featured at centre back against Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final second leg after sharing the right back position with the versatile Pablo Zabaleta for most of the campaign, and confirmed his willingness to play any role as competition for places increases again.

He continued: “I have played right-back for the last couple of seasons and am enjoying it but if the manager needs me to play centre-back if there's an injury or something I will have to do so.

"Vinny is coming back now and he and Joleon have it pretty much sorted out back there, and there will be more competition when Kolo [Toure] comes back."