Mark Venus on the return of key players and the trip to face Southend United in League One...
Mark Venus believes the return of experienced midfield duo Andy Rose and Chris McCann will lift his side as they return to League One action tomorrow.
The Sky Blues travel to Roots Hall to face an in-form Southend United side, hoping to build on their Checkatrade Trophy victory against Crawley earlier in the week.
Midfielder McCann made his first start in over a month against the League Two side, and is likely to be available for selection tomorrow. Venus said: “I think they’re important players to the squad.
“They both bring a physicality, a knowhow, an understanding of the game and to be honest they are both versatile which is a big bonus for a squad of players.
“Andy played right-back against Crawley and Chris reverted to left back once Lewis Page had to be substituted. We’ve had lots of changes in terms of positions and to have people with that experience on the pitch is important.”
City's opponents currently lie in tenth position in League One standings, and made it eight games unbeaten in the competition after the recent 0-0 draw away to Walsall.
“They’ve got a good balanced team with a lot of experience within the ranks and like always a bit of physicality," Venus commented.
“I think they’re just a well balanced team that have found their style of play. I think out of their squad they know the best ten outfield players and they work to their strengths.
“They’re settled and obviously picking up points. We need to try and kick on and pick up some points in the league, every game is hugely important at this moment in time.”