LEWIS Richards is confident of declaring himself fit for FA Cup duty.

The defender had to have his left shoulder popped back in after landing heavily in City’s draw at Colchester 11 days ago.

But he is back training and hopes to convince Graham Alexander he is ready to feature against Morecambe in Saturday’s second-round clash.

Alexander said this afternoon: “Today was his first main session and he was fully integrated. We’ll see how he is and feels in his movements.

“He looked okay competing against the other players but playing a game’s a different kettle of fish. We don’t want the same thing to happen again.

“I’ll be led by Lewis. We’re not putting untold pressure on him.”

The City boss revealed Lewis was “desperate to play” in the postponed home match with Accrington – but he had made the decision that it was too early for the wing-back.

Alexander added: “His shoulder got put back straight into place and the scan we had wasn’t too bad.

“There were two or three options open to Lewis on the recovery process.

“He wanted to take the fastest one back because he feels it’s strong and he’s got good movement in it. It’s just the chance of it reoccurring is always going to be there.

“As a player, you can only go off your body. If your body’s telling you you’re fine, then you’re fine.

“In his head, he’s fine and he’s determined to be back involved.”

Alex Pattison and Aden Baldwin have worked with the squad all week while Antoni Sarcevic and Ciaran Kelly have been outside doing part of the training.