BOSS SEES NEW ROLE AFTER GOAL
MARK Robins admits Chris Hussey could have a new lease of life as a winger after his impressive solo goal at York.
The Coventry City full-back has found himself out of the side since the arrival of Jamie Reckord on loan from Wolves but burst back on to the Sky Blues scene with a late showing in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday night.
“Chris did really well the other night, albeit a cameo role, and showed he can get forward and get a goal, so that's another string to his bow and an option for us,“ said the City boss, who is preparing his players for a tough test at fourth-from-top Swindon Town tomorrow.
“He started out wide in his career so he's no stranger to that position and maybe that's something for us to look at because he's certainly got a good left foot. He's got a bit of pace and the way he dropped his shoulder and took his goal was very good.
“He's worked hard and responded in a positive manner and as I said when I first came in, it's a clean slate for everyone.“
Robins is also encouraged by City's latest strike partnership of David McGoldrick and Callum Ball, which he believes can become a real force in League One.
“They have struck up a good understanding, are working really hard and taking the chances that come their way,“ he said.
“They have obviously got goals in them and we'd like to see a few more but we've got other good strikers who are waiting to take their chance as well.
“But the pleasing thing for me is we are seeing a steady progression in each game and we want to keep building on that, and building the confidence and belief throughout the team.“
Robins' central defensive crisis has eased with the news that Richard Wood is fit for the trip to the County Ground, while fellow centre-back William Edjenguele is back in training after recovering from a hip injury and should make the matchday squad.
Reece Brown, however, has been back to his parent club Manchester United to see their doctor after suffering with suspected tonsillitis, and therefore doubtful for the game.
“We've got eight out at the moment with injury and illness and we've got to get them back as quickly as we can,“ said Robins who is still waiting on Gary McSheffrey (foot) and Cody McDonald (knee).
“But we're not too bad and we're looking forward to going to Swindon.
“Paolo Di Canio has done a terrific job there getting them promoted in his first season in English management and they've obviously got a bit of momentum from that, so it's a good game for us.
“They have got some good players. I know James McEveley well because he played for me at Barnsley and the lad Matt Ritchie is excellent down the right.
“They've got a bit of experience as well in a squad that looks more than capable in this league.
“They like to play the game in the right way and it will be a test for us. There were plenty of positives from our performance the other night, particularly the way we worked hard and passed the ball about in the second half and we want to continue that tomorrow.“
Di Canio's time at Sheffield Wednesday coincided with Robins' stint at Leicester in the late 1990s, but the City boss admitted: “We may well have played against each other although nothing stands out. But he was a terrific player, there's no doubt about that.“
n Di Canio has been named as one of the favourites to take over at Bolton Wanderers following the midweek sacking of Owen Coyle.
“It's better than not reading your name,“ said the Italian, “but it doesn't change that I am working for Swindon, so there's no need to think about it.“
MARK Robins admits Chris Hussey could have a new lease of life as a winger after his impressive solo goal at York.
The Coventry City full-back has found himself out of the side since the arrival of Jamie Reckord on loan from Wolves but burst back on to the Sky Blues scene with a late showing in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday night.
“Chris did really well the other night, albeit a cameo role, and showed he can get forward and get a goal, so that's another string to his bow and an option for us,“ said the City boss, who is preparing his players for a tough test at fourth-from-top Swindon Town tomorrow.
“He started out wide in his career so he's no stranger to that position and maybe that's something for us to look at because he's certainly got a good left foot. He's got a bit of pace and the way he dropped his shoulder and took his goal was very good.
“He's worked hard and responded in a positive manner and as I said when I first came in, it's a clean slate for everyone.“
Robins is also encouraged by City's latest strike partnership of David McGoldrick and Callum Ball, which he believes can become a real force in League One.
“They have struck up a good understanding, are working really hard and taking the chances that come their way,“ he said.
“They have obviously got goals in them and we'd like to see a few more but we've got other good strikers who are waiting to take their chance as well.
“But the pleasing thing for me is we are seeing a steady progression in each game and we want to keep building on that, and building the confidence and belief throughout the team.“
Robins' central defensive crisis has eased with the news that Richard Wood is fit for the trip to the County Ground, while fellow centre-back William Edjenguele is back in training after recovering from a hip injury and should make the matchday squad.
Reece Brown, however, has been back to his parent club Manchester United to see their doctor after suffering with suspected tonsillitis, and therefore doubtful for the game.
“We've got eight out at the moment with injury and illness and we've got to get them back as quickly as we can,“ said Robins who is still waiting on Gary McSheffrey (foot) and Cody McDonald (knee).
“But we're not too bad and we're looking forward to going to Swindon.
“Paolo Di Canio has done a terrific job there getting them promoted in his first season in English management and they've obviously got a bit of momentum from that, so it's a good game for us.
“They have got some good players. I know James McEveley well because he played for me at Barnsley and the lad Matt Ritchie is excellent down the right.
“They've got a bit of experience as well in a squad that looks more than capable in this league.
“They like to play the game in the right way and it will be a test for us. There were plenty of positives from our performance the other night, particularly the way we worked hard and passed the ball about in the second half and we want to continue that tomorrow.“
Di Canio's time at Sheffield Wednesday coincided with Robins' stint at Leicester in the late 1990s, but the City boss admitted: “We may well have played against each other although nothing stands out. But he was a terrific player, there's no doubt about that.“
n Di Canio has been named as one of the favourites to take over at Bolton Wanderers following the midweek sacking of Owen Coyle.
“It's better than not reading your name,“ said the Italian, “but it doesn't change that I am working for Swindon, so there's no need to think about it.“
