Jay Tabb hopes his goalscoring exploits in pre-season will aid his bid for a place in manager Iain Dowie's starting eleven when the season gets underway on August 11.

The Sky Blues midfielder bagged his second goal in just three pre-season outings in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Espanyol to add to three goals in 12 matches under Dowie last season.

Tabb is confident he can regain his place in the side for the opening day trip to Barnsley, but with nine summer signings bolstering competition for places, the former Brentford man admits he's in for a difficult task.

Jay battles for the ball against Espanyol

"I'd love to be in the starting eleven for the Barnsley game, but I know there are a few other players who equally deserve a place in the team too," the 23-year-old told Sky Blues World.

"Julian Gray scored two really good goals against Ballymena on tour and looks a great purchase by the gaffer.

"If I get the nod it will be an honour because I'll be playing instead of a few players I'd be pretty chuffed to be ahead of, but if I'm not picked all I can do is just carry on training hard and wait for my chance."

The Sky Blues remain unbeaten in pre-season but face their toughest task so far on Saturday when Italian side Udinese come to the Ricoh Arena.

And Tabb believes the match will provide a great warm-up for when the proper action begins seven days later.

"At the moment things are looking in good shape. We are unbeaten in pre-season so far and the manager has been pleased by the way we have played.

Article continues
Advertisement

"That has given us confidence and I think we are improving defensively and in the final third with every game we play.

"We started off at Shrewsbury and the players were saying it was the fittest they have ever felt so early on in pre-season.

"We've made a gradual progression and hopefully that will continue against Udinese because it's all a stepping stone towards the opening match at Barnsley."

He added: "It has been a very different pre-season for me, I feel much fitter without actually having done more work!

"Training hasn't been about running up hills all of the time, it has been varied and appropriate to the way we are going to play this season.

"That's credit to the management team and I think it also keeps players much sharper and enthusiastic too."

Watch Jay's goal against Espanyol HERE in World Freeview.

You can see a full interview with Jay on Sky Blues World now, click HERE for more information on our exclusive web TV service.