McGOLDRICK anD BaLL COuLD staRt
COVENTRY City could unleash an on-loan strike force when they tackle Burton Albion in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tonight.
Richard Shaw seems certain to give a first start to David McGoldrick, who was a second-half substitute on Saturday after joining from Nottingham Forest in the final hours of the transfer window.
And he could be joined by Derby teenager Callum Ball as the Sky Blues try to bounce back from their bitterly disappointing 1-0 League One defeat at Crewe which saw front two Cody McDonald and Stephen Elliott replaced in the second half.
“Cody and Stephen were disappointed to come off but there's nothing personal when I make substitutions,“ said Shaw. “They played for two hours in a frantic game on Tuesday and that took its toll.
We looked a bit jaded in the first half so it was right to freshen things up and you're always looking for the opportunity to rotate your strikers and keep things competitive.“
The caretaker boss can take comfort from the fact that tonight's competition for League One and Two clubs will go straight to a penalty shoot-out if the score is level after 90 minutes, rather than face another gruelling spell of extra-time.
“We hope to get the job done by the final whistle,“ said Shaw, who will have to shuffle his midfield because Adam Barton is on Under-21 duty with the Republic of Ireland.
And the 43-year-old admits that he has mixed feelings about a game that offers a realistic chance for a day out at Wembley. “That will certainly in the back of the club's mind,“ he said, “and if you look at previous winners of this competition, like Southampton, it can give teams a kick-start. But in the earlier stages, if truth be told, it's a bit of a hindrance.
“Sometimes when you've lost the best thing is to get straight out there to rectify it but, as I said before the Birmingham game, I'd love to have a clear week to do some work on the training ground, take a bit of time to instil our values, explain what we want to be doing.
“But the games come thick and fast at this time of year and this is in the calendar so we'll have to deal with it.
“We'll field a strong side ­ the rules say you have to start with six first-team regulars ­ but it will give some of the other boys an opportunity. We have to rotate the squad, try to keep things fresh for Stevenage on Sunday, because that will be my main focus.
“This is a tough demanding league and people won't play all 46 games ­ that doesn't happen in football any more.“
Shaw might well choose to give goalkeeper Chris Dunn an outing tonight but first choice Joe Murphy is a fan of the competition having been in the Scunthorpe side edged out 3-2 by Luton in 2009's extra-time thriller.
“You win four or five games and you're at Wembley,“ said the Irish international, “and that's a great opportunity.“ Right-back Jordan Clarke is the only fresh injury from the weekend.
n City's trip to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in the third round of the Captial One Cup has been confirmed as Wednesday, September 26, kick-off 7.45pm.
n City's Under-21 lost 2-0 at home to Nottingham Forest yesterday.
COVENTRY City could unleash an on-loan strike force when they tackle Burton Albion in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tonight.
Richard Shaw seems certain to give a first start to David McGoldrick, who was a second-half substitute on Saturday after joining from Nottingham Forest in the final hours of the transfer window.
And he could be joined by Derby teenager Callum Ball as the Sky Blues try to bounce back from their bitterly disappointing 1-0 League One defeat at Crewe which saw front two Cody McDonald and Stephen Elliott replaced in the second half.
“Cody and Stephen were disappointed to come off but there's nothing personal when I make substitutions,“ said Shaw. “They played for two hours in a frantic game on Tuesday and that took its toll.
We looked a bit jaded in the first half so it was right to freshen things up and you're always looking for the opportunity to rotate your strikers and keep things competitive.“
The caretaker boss can take comfort from the fact that tonight's competition for League One and Two clubs will go straight to a penalty shoot-out if the score is level after 90 minutes, rather than face another gruelling spell of extra-time.
“We hope to get the job done by the final whistle,“ said Shaw, who will have to shuffle his midfield because Adam Barton is on Under-21 duty with the Republic of Ireland.
And the 43-year-old admits that he has mixed feelings about a game that offers a realistic chance for a day out at Wembley. “That will certainly in the back of the club's mind,“ he said, “and if you look at previous winners of this competition, like Southampton, it can give teams a kick-start. But in the earlier stages, if truth be told, it's a bit of a hindrance.
“Sometimes when you've lost the best thing is to get straight out there to rectify it but, as I said before the Birmingham game, I'd love to have a clear week to do some work on the training ground, take a bit of time to instil our values, explain what we want to be doing.
“But the games come thick and fast at this time of year and this is in the calendar so we'll have to deal with it.
“We'll field a strong side ­ the rules say you have to start with six first-team regulars ­ but it will give some of the other boys an opportunity. We have to rotate the squad, try to keep things fresh for Stevenage on Sunday, because that will be my main focus.
“This is a tough demanding league and people won't play all 46 games ­ that doesn't happen in football any more.“
Shaw might well choose to give goalkeeper Chris Dunn an outing tonight but first choice Joe Murphy is a fan of the competition having been in the Scunthorpe side edged out 3-2 by Luton in 2009's extra-time thriller.
“You win four or five games and you're at Wembley,“ said the Irish international, “and that's a great opportunity.“ Right-back Jordan Clarke is the only fresh injury from the weekend.
n City's trip to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in the third round of the Captial One Cup has been confirmed as Wednesday, September 26, kick-off 7.45pm.
n City's Under-21 lost 2-0 at home to Nottingham Forest yesterday.