Gardner not at City to sit in the stand

Last updated : 25 November 2011 By Covsupport News Service/RD

Coventry City manager Andy Thorn has dropped a huge hint that his latest recruit Gary Gardner will play some part in Saturday's game at Brighton.

The 21 year old midfielder joined Coventry City from neighbours Aston Villa on the last day of the loan window on a short term deal that will keep him at The Ricoh until January 3rd.

Thorn had hoped to be able to sign an experienced Premier League player to help  his younger players cope with the pressure of fighting for Championship survival, but had to settle for another young player instead.

Thorn is not too disappointed though and believes that the opportunity to take Gardner was too good to miss.

He wouldn't be drawn on whether Gardner would play for Coventry at Brighton on Saturday, but he did drop a broad hint that he would be considered.

He said, “We haven’t brought him here to sit in the stand, that’s for sure. 

"We were looking at a more experienced boy but his club had a few injuries so I don’t know if that would have come off  and when we had the opportunity to get Gary he overtook everyone because your eyes light up when someone of his quality comes along, like it did when we took Jordan Henderson on loan.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on Gary because he is a young lad but he’s got a good engine, passes the ball and scores goals from midfield.

 "He fits in exactly with what we want to do and we’re delighted to have him around the place.”