City defender Richard Wood shrugs off a twice-broken nose to put himself in the frame for Saturday
Coventry City defender Richard Wood may be black and blue but he will still give his all against the black and whites on Saturday.
In the past three weeks, the no-nonsense defender has broken his nose twice, at Arsenal and against Swindon, either side of suffering a suspected fractured cheekbone at York City that thankfully turned out to be only badly bruised – and still is.
But he has been given the all-clear to continue with his all-action style so that is exactly what he will do, if selected, for Saturday’s match with Notts County.
“It’s not ideal but because it is on my face I can just get on with it and keep playing, it’s not going to stop me,” said Wood.
“I am probably too honest at times, sticking my head in where I know I am going to get hurt but I still do it. I will do anything to win the ball and help the team. I will always put my body on the line for the team.
“Nobody has said anything to me about changing the way I go into challenges, I will just go and play. I’m not going to complain about it, I’m playing football every week.
“That’s just what happens in football and we’ve got to get on with it and I’ll probably get my nose straightened in the summer!”
It is no wonder that Wood is so eager to keep on playing as the Sky Blues’ settled defence has been a big part of the reason why they are unbeaten in five league games.
Alongside Wood, returning youngster Nathan Cameron has been particularly impressive, something that is not lost on his more experienced team-mate.
“He’s done well,” said Wood of his central defensive partner.
“He’s a really good lad and a very good player. He is strong as an ox and he talks as well, so it is good to have him and it shows in that we haven’t conceded many goals since he came in.
Wood added: “The more we play together you can see us becoming more solid and more comfortable.
“We know each other now. Jamie Reckord is a good lad as well and he has done well at left back since he has come in so with Jordan at right back we look solid and that’s what we need.”