International Call Ups Are Good For Us - Rioch

Last updated : 25 November 2011 By Covsupport News Service

Coventry City Academy Boss Gregor Rioch feels that having players calls up for international duty reflects well on the Academy.

Midfielder Will Roberts is the latest City youngster to have seen international action when he played for Wales U17's in a four team tournament in Sweden.

Speaking to Sky Blue Player, Rioch said: "As a club, it makes us really proud that one of our players can go and gain international recognition. It shows how well he has done this year and how he has progressed constantly and let's hope it continues.

"It is a great yardstick for him to see how well he is doing that he can get called up for his country, and for us.

"We have Shane Fagan who joined up with the Republic of Ireland Under-17's squad recently as well and people like Conor Thomas, Jordan Clarke and Shaun Jeffers have all gone and represented this country at international level.

"Every time we get a call-up, it is not only a milestone in their career, but for the Academy as well as it gives the younger players another incentive.

"I think the younger lads in the Academy do look at it and see an added value to doing well. Our aims when we came in, me and Richard Stevens, was to first get as many lads as possible getting pro-contracts.

"Then it was to sustain them with a first-team status and then it was international recognition as it promotes the good work we are doing."