Mark Robins assessed Coventry City’s defensive options as he previewed this weekend’s visit to Peterborough.
Following injuries to Dominic Hyam and Jordan Willis, Tom Davies and Morgan Williams started Tuesday’s win over Fleetwood – with that being the first league start for Williams.
The 18-year-old joined the Sky Blues last Summer from Mickleover Sports, featuring prominently for the Under 23s this season along with appearances in the Checkatrade Trophy. Tuesday was his first league start for the Club, and Robins praised the performance from the youngster.
“It underlines what we’re about”, said Robins.
“Morgan’s performance the other day was very good. He’s got a long way to go, and he knows that because he’s a level-headed young man, but he’s come in and performed to a really good level against two very experienced players in this division.”
“We know we have to bring players through, but I also want to that – it is healthy and good for the club. It underlines where we are, what we’re about. As a club we try to give those young players that opportunity, and I would wager our productivity in that area is better than any other club.
“Morgan should be proud of his performance. His performance was combative and typical of what he produces. He found it tough physically and tired towards the end, but he will be training and I imagine the exuberance of youth will be back.”
Meanwhile, Tom Davies has also come back into the Sky Blues side, and Robins said that he knows what to expect from the centre half.
“Tom grows in stature as he gets his games under his belt – that’s Tom. He’ll continue to do that and give everything that he has. That’s him and that’s his character.”
At left-back, Junior Brown returned to the pitch as a second-half substitute on Tuesday night. Robins signed the left back last Summer from Shrewsbury, and praised his performance versus Fleetwood.
“Junior’s performance the other night warranted a mention at the end of the game. He won some good headers in the box, some good clearances, good headers.”
“I signed Junior because he was the type of attacking full back I wanted at the club. I am giving him plenty of leigh way because of the injury – he has a long-term injury last season, and was back in six months of a cruciate knee injury.
“You’ve got to make sure there’s no reoccurrence, and hopefully by now he’s recovered sufficiently to kick on with his performances.
Regarding Dom and Jordan, Robins said that he doubts they will be involved at Peterborough.
“They are getting closer, but it’s difficult to see them playing a part on Saturday.
“Dom is around training but not back. It is what it is, and we just have to wait for him to be ready”
“Jordan’s is an injury that happens with him now and again. The last time it happened was at Plymouth in the warm-up. He wants to play, but we have to be sensible with him.”