"It got to a point where Micah needed to knuckle down," said Hughes.

"He has done really well in recent weeks and is in the team on merit.

"There is more to come and Micah accepts that. At the moment we are looking for him to maintain his current level and perhaps surpass it.

Hughes thinks Richards is benefiting from better concentration levels, which has been a problem for the defender in the past.

"Micah's form has tended to burn brightly for a couple of games then starts to diminish again.

"But recently he has been more solid and his concentration levels have been good. We are reaping the benefits of that.

"There is a challenge here and everyone has to step up to the mark, embrace it and enjoy it. Micah is doing that."