Manchester City defender Micah Richards has urged boss Roberto Mancini to hand Carlos Tevez a return to the team.

City relinquished top spot in the Premier League to Manchester United following their 1-0 loss to Swansea City on Sunday, and Richards believes that Tevez could make the difference in the latter stages of the season.

"I have always been a big fan of Tevez, I love him. There were games last season where he carried us on his own," the 23-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"In these sort of games he would get a 1-0 win for us. It's up to the manager, ultimately, but I would love to see him back."

City face Chelsea in the Premier League next Wednesday.