WOLVES defender Lewis Richards has joined City for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old, who can play as a left wing-back, left back or in the centre of defence, has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further season.

Richards comes straight into contention after the move was completed in time to feature at Morecambe tomorrow.

The Ireland youth international made 21 appearances on loan at Harrogate over the past two seasons. He has also played 40 times for Wolves under-21s in Premier League Two.

Mark Hughes said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Lewis to the club, as someone we have been tracking for a long time.

“He is a strong defender in who we have identified an ability to fit into our system and style of play, with his dynamism and the physical and technical boxes he ticks.

“Having trained with us today, we are excited to be working with him and pleased to have a player of his calibre with us on a permanent basis.”

Richards, who will wear number 32 for City, had his last Harrogate loan spell cut short with a serious ankle injury that required surgery.

But now he is fully recovered and raring to get going again for his new club.

He said: “I could not say no to this opportunity and I’m grateful to be spending at least the next two years here. It is a massive club, and a soon as I heard of the interest here, I wanted to come.

“I like to link up play and defend as well. I will get up and down and put crosses in, and just want to do well for the team.

“I know the ambitions of the club and want to get promoted. I want to be a part of a team full of winners.

“I am going to get my head down in training and hopefully be successful at this club. I am looking forward to what lies ahead.”