The Sky Blues boss praised young midfielder Lawton after the club announced talks have began over a new deal...
Coventry City manager Tony Mowbray believes that Ivor Lawton can develop into an "iconic" figure for the club.
The club announced today that talks have began with the 19-year old over a new deal with the Sky Blues.
Mowbray praised the young midfielder's attitude and desire and is hopeful that the Sky Blues Academy graduate can go on to become an influential figure for his boyhood club.
"I think he earned the right for us to make him an offer," Mowbray said.
"He has a great personality and he'll never lose his drive or conviction. The lads might be playing on blustery day, might be 2-0 down and the one lad who's pumping his fists, sleeves rolled up, bawling at everyone is Ivor Lawton.
"Ivor has the potential in his make up to become almost an iconic player if you like, for the fans to grasp hold of this warrior playing in Sky Blue on the pitch. Of course he has to get an opportunity first."
Lawton is yet to make his first-team bow for the club but has been an influential figure for the Under-21s throughout the 2014/15 season.
Mowbray is hopeful that the midfielder, who has been used regularly as a centre-back for the 21s at the back-end of the season, can improve some technical aspects to his game while pushing for a first-team berth next season.
He continued: "You can never take his desire away or his love for the club.
"Of course there are things I need to work on with him, his game understanding and some technical aspects, but I do feel he has assets that this club might require down the line.
"The young players coming though may require a player like Ivor to give them drive and motivation, show them what it means to try and win every game.
"Hopefully he can force himself into the first team picture, his role will be lead the 21s team and when required, to step up to the first-team.
"The day when he gets on at the Ricoh he has to be ready to make an impact. I'm hoping this young guy can grow into a man, that's why we want to keep him to develop and help him grow into a first-team player."