Richards is Red Bulls 'go-to player' - Henry

UPPER MONTCLAIR, New Jersey (CMC):

Dane Richards said he planned to remain a dangerous striker for the New York Red Bulls in the coming Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

The Jamaican midfielder also hailed the guidance of French star and teammate Thierry Henry for helping him find his form.

"To me, it was like, 'Holy cow'," Richards said of his on-field bond with Henry. "Just a player of that calibre talking to you, it gives you a boost."

With Richards more settled in the Red Bulls offence, he can expect a greater role on the field and even his teammates recognise his value.

"For me, Dane Richards is our go-to player," said Henry.

Career-high

Richards, a member of the Reggae Boyz outfit that won the Digicel Caribbean Cup last year, is now entering his fifth year in the MLS. He scored a career-high five goals for the Red Bulls last season and is looking forward to scoring more this season.

Red Bulls coach Hans Backe has also moved Richards into the forward position during the club's preseason training camp in Florida.

But Richards does not believe this is where Backe will utilise him during the season, although he has played in the position at Clemson University, where he went to college in the United States, and for the Red Bulls.

"Well, I'm used to it," said Richards. "I think (Backe) is just resting Juan Agudelo, who is more of a striker."

The Red Bulls topped the Eastern Conference standings last season, but failed to make it to the MLS Cup match, when they lost 4-1 on aggregate in the first round of the play-offs.

They open this year's MLS season on Saturday, March 19, at home against the Seattle Sounders.