The City Under-18s coach talks about Maddison, his team's start to the season and the game against Nottingham Forest tomorrow...
Coventry City Under-18s coach Jason Farndon is adamant that James Maddison will come back better after his injury setback.
The midfielder was ruled out with an ankle injury earlier this week and will be out for around three months.
Farndon, who has coached Maddison from the age of 12, has spoken to the 18-year old over the past few days and has praised his impact for the first-team in the opening fixtures.
"James has been brilliant, he’s been down here a few times and I speak to him most days," Farndon said.
"He's a real example to all the boys. James isn't physically blessed but he works really hard on his technique. He’s been outstanding in the games I've seen him play for the first-team.
"I spoke to him last night about his injury and he said it’s not as bad as he first thought so he's delighted with that. He’s moody when he's injured but is infectious to have around the place. He’ll come back stronger."
The Sky Blues Under-18s take on Nottingham Forest tomorrow at the Alan Higgs Centre, with entry free for supporters for the 11.00am kick-off.
The 18s have had a mixed start to the season, with two defeats but a 1-0 win against a strong Crystal Palace side. Farndon believes that the side have been unlucky, particularly with the number of younger players in the squad and is hopeful of a good performance against a good Forest side.
He added: "We’re no longer at Sky Blue Lodge, we’re based at the Alan Higgs Centre and there is a lot more practice and more contact time being at the Higgs.
"We’ve got ten new players, a lot have been here for a long time and some have come in from different areas in the country.
"We’ve been unlucky in the two defeats we've had, we’ve dominated possession in every game but it’s just been individual errors and little things we’re working on that has cost us.
"I think we have been naive at times, but we have had young squads, with some 16s playing for us in those games but it’s great exposure for them.
"Nottingham Forest are always tough, their one of the best teams I’ve seen play but let’s hope we can put in a good showing and get back to winning ways."