‘Cov can handle Hoof’

LIAM KELLY has no problem with Sunderland’s ‘Hoofball’ – and says it’s up to his high-flying Coventry side to combat it today (12pm).

The Sky Blues’ skipper (below) reacted to a barb by Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton in midweek that the Black Cats are using primitive tactics in their promotion quest.

Kelly said: “If Sunderland have been going more direct lately – and it’s been working for them – that’s what we will expect them to do.

“A lot of teams are direct. Rotherham, Wycombe – they are all incredibly effective at what they do.

“There’s no right or wrong way to play football. They play a brand of football that works for them. Whatever they bring, we will have to deal with it.

“There’s nothing for us to fear, we’re going into the game in the firm belief that we can win. “We were unlucky at their place, conceding a late equaliser but when we play to our strengths, we are confident we can get a result in any game in this division.” Coventry boss Mark Robins laughed off Barton’s taunt, suggesting it was a ‘hangover’ from the time his managerial counterpart spent at rivals Newcastle United. Robins said: “Sunderland are under pressure to get themselves back into the Championship. It’s been a different journey for us, coming from League Two, selling players and cultivating a style without having a stadium to play in. “We know what we are. We know what we want to do – but there’s more pressure on the other teams up there.”