Coventry may have slipped up against Crystal Palace at the weekend but they are still handily placed in the Championshiptable, three points outside the play-off zone. One of the main reasons behind their promotion push is the form of captain Stephen Hughes. Injuries blighted his campaign last year but it has been a different kettle of fish this season with an ever-present record to his name. Manager Micky Adams claimed that Hughes has no peers at this level when he is on top of his game and, as he told givemfootball's Ian Clarkson, he is in fine fettle.
Q:HAS THE INCREASED COMPETITION FOR PLACES HELPED YOUR FORM THIS SEASON?
A:The squad is bigger with more competition for places which is keeping players that are in the team on their toes. That can only be good. That has helped me as you know that if you aren't doing it at any given moment then there are people want to play and do well. Last year was disappointing for me and I am just pleased to be playing again and enjoying my football.
Q:WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM LAST SEASON?
A:I missed a fair chunk of last season with injury and it was interrupted. I didn't have the stability of playing regularly and it affected my fitness and form as well. This year I had a good pre-season and that has been good for me. Everyone can appreciate the extra competition apart from in goal.
Q:MICKY ADAMS HASN'T BEEN PUTTING A GOALKEEPER ON THE BENCH - DOES THAT MEAN YOU WILL TAKE OVER AGAIN LIKE YOU DID TWO YEARS AGO AGAINST STOKE IF REQUIRED?
A:We were having a laugh about that in training once again the other day. I am not sure whether it would be me again and I was ridiculously nervous before taking over in goal (due to injury) and didn't particularly enjoy it. I did manage to keep a clean sheet but, touch wood, it won't happen again as I would much rather Andy Marshall stayed fit.
Q:DO YOU THINK ANYONE WILL RUN AWAY WITH THE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SEASON LIKE READING DID LAST YEAR?
A:Sunderland look strong, as they have bought in six or seven players. I know they are in the bottom half but they look strong and I am sure they will come good. However, I don't think anyone will run away with it as it is a much tougher, tighter league this year We've got to turn defeats into draws and pick up points away from home to maintain our position in the league. It's gone quite well on the whole and we are delighted with home form which has continued from last season. Our away form has continued like last season as well which is something we have to improve. Individually we have been playing well which has affected team performances but we know there are a lot of tests ahead of us.
Q:YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH MICHAEL DOYLE IS IMPORTANT FOR THE TEAM ISN'T IT?
A:I have played with Michael for a couple of years and I enjoy playing with him. We complement each other well in there and he is a good lad. Mind you, I think we have had two shots each all year! It will be interesting to see who scores first this year. We are in middle of pitch and going to be involved in fair bit of action but our tempo stems from front two and goes throughout he whole team.
Q:IS THE TEAM'S AWAY FORM BECOMING A CONCERN?
A:Not at the moment as we went to Hull and won in a scrappy game, so we can do it. I think we need to be more solid at the start. The performances were good at Ipswich and Southampton so there are plusses to take from them but we need to turn those into points.
