Appleton urges U's to build on Bradford
Oxford United head Coach Michael Appleton has warned his side not to lose the momentum of Saturday’s win over Bradford City as they travel to Coventry City on Tuesday evening. Chris Maguire’s late goal made United the first team to beat Bradford this season, but Michael has told his players that they need to carry that on at the Ricoh Arena.
“I’ll be bitterly disappointed if we don’t” he told Yellow Player HD. “That’s with the greatest respect to Coventry, who are playing OK but obviously in a bit of trouble. I hope they do come out of their troubles and do get things sorted out but we don’t want to let them off the hook on Tuesday. I imagine if they can make a fast start and get a goal then their fans will make it hard for us but let’s not try and kid each other; we know we can win the game but it is going to take a performance like Saturday’s rather than the previous Sunday.”
Wes Thomas is ruled out with a calf injury, meaning that Ryan Taylor is likely to continue up front. Appleton surprised many fans by playing the former Rotherham front man wide on the left on Saturday in front of Josh Ruffels.
“They were both excellent” Michael said. “The Taylor decision may have surprised a few but the first time I saw him play it was in that role as a young kid. He’s not played there for a while but we had seen enough in the Swindon game when we went down to ten men to say he is more than capable of doing it and it certainly gives us an option.
“He did ever so well and worked in tandem with Ruffs who is always steady and is strong in midfield as well as at left back; he is a very important member of the squad.”
Liam Sercombe trained today and is available once more but a storming performance from Joe Rothwell alongside skipper John Lundstram on Saturday may mean the former Exeter midfielder has to be patient.
“I thought Rothwell was outstanding on Saturday- he was Man of the Match and deserved it and he will be desperate to impress, so it is up to Liam to force his way back into the team.” Michael said.
See the full interview plus unmissable video interviews with Ryan Taylor and Chey Dunkley, only in Yellow Player HD.
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