Rico Richards is delighted to be back “doing what he does best” and is looking to continue contributing when Albion’s PL2 side play Sunderland on Monday evening (ko 7pm).
The young attacker completed his first 90 minutes in several months during the Baggies’ final Premier League Cup group match last time out, scoring the opening goal and providing an assist in a 4-1 victory over Arsenal.
Richards has gone through difficult spells during the 2021/22 season in Richard Beale’s side, with injuries hampering his return to competitive action.
But after passing important tests at the start of 2022, the 18-year-old wants to help Albion’s exciting attacking talent continue their form in front of goal when they travel to Wearside for their next Premier League 2 Division 2 game.
“It’s felt really good to be out there playing regularly again,” said Rico.
“The last game was my first start in a while and to play how we played against Arsenal was great as a collective.
“I’m fully fit now and back to doing what I do best. There were times when I thought I was back fit this season but wasn’t quite there, then I was getting a lot of 30 minute spells and not full games so it has been frustrating.
“We’ve worked on my fitness coming back into the team, and I did 90 minutes last time against Arsenal so I’m happy to be back up to speed.
“I need to get minutes now and goals and assists to go with them, there’s no point of one without the other.
“I want to continue playing as well as I can going forward and the team have been doing well in every competition this season.
“We don’t look like slowing down anytime soon so hopefully we can continue this form going into the game on Monday.”
