Adam Barton hopes to improve the defensive side of his game after Rovers win...
After playing a starring role in Coventry City’s 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers, you wouldn't expect Adam Barton to be critical of himself after the final whistle.
The former Preston North End midfielder has found first-team opportunities difficult to come by in his first season at the Sky Blues with the emergence of midfield duo Steven Jennings and James Bailey not helping his cause.
With Jennings injured from the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth, Barton was handed a start by City manager Steven Pressley and he enjoyed an impressive 90 minutes.
Rather than glorifying his performance in the post-match interview, he admitted he needs to work harder on his game to become a success at City.
The 22-year old said: “It has been difficult. With the way I play, I like to get on the ball as much as possible and pass it around.
“It is obvious though that I need to work on the defensive side of my game. That comes naturally to some players, but to me it hasn't.
“I want to work harder on that aspect of my game because I know I need to get better at it. Hopefully I showed at times against Doncaster that I can do that side of the game.
“I put a foot in and tried to put myself about, and the manager seemed impressed with my performance so that is positive.”
In his five games in charge of Coventry City, Steven Pressley has encouraged a high-intensity, passing game centred around work off-the-ball.
Barton has praised Pressley’s philosophy and believes it promises a bright future at the Sky Blues.
He added: “I am very lucky with the manager coming in because the way he wants us to play the game is brilliant.
“Of course, it suits my game but it is also is a great way to play, and the crowd seemed to really appreciate what we were trying to do throughout the game. That can only be good for the future of the club.
“He has got us working harder off-the-ball and that is another aspect of my game I need to improve. That can only help me improve as a player and become a success here.
“It will come, I am sure of it. I have hopefully shown the gaffer I can do that and I hope I have taken my chance in the team.”