Be patient and striker can step up to the Marc
WHILE goals are in worrying short supply at Coventry City there would be far more concern if the team wasn’t creating opportunities to score – and in Marc McNulty the Sky Blues surely have a hero in the making.
He may only have one league goal to his name so far and that effort at Grimsby had a degree of luck bearing in mind another referee could easily have ruled it out.
But, nevertheless, it showed the alert presence of mind to punish opponents at every opportunity and the 24-year-old has all the attributes and qualities to establish himself as a fans favourite.
He has one other goal, from the penalty spot, against Shrewsbury Town in the Checkatrade Trophy but in terms of open play he’s going through one of those lean spells that all strikers endure from time to time and, yes, he missed what looked like a couple of sitters at the weekend. He may be just lacking that little bit of confidence that comes with getting on a roll, when almost every chance that comes his way looks like a certain goal. But he’s doing most things right and let’s not forget he made inspired keeper Tommy Lee work incredibly hard for his clean sheet at Chesterfield on Saturday, forcing two impressive saves that would have beaten a less able or agile stopper on the day.
No-one can deny his work-rate is exceptional; he’s quick, got a good touch and a sharp football brain.
He’s also shown in the first few weeks of the season that he’s got the hunger and mentality for it.
His obvious talent aside, he has the right character and desire to succeed not only for Coventry City, but also for himself. Why else would he have his teeth knocked loose and immediately get a gum shield fitted so he can play the very next game? Why else would he suffer a cracked bone in his wrist but insist on getting it strapped up rather than put in a cast to ensure he didn’t miss a minute of football - in both cases going against medical advice? “I’m not really supposed to play,” he revealed. “I may need an op but I just want to play. “The doctors didn’t want me to play but that’s not really an option. I don’t want to miss any football. I have a cracked bone in my wrist and a few front teeth that are a bit out of place but I just want to be on the pitch.” There would be some bigger, uglier beasts of defenders in the not too distant past who would have been on the treatment table for weeks had they suffered similar injuries.
Some players like being wrapped up in cotton wool, shy away from the odd training session and even game to protect themselves whereas others put their bodies on the line and fight tooth and nail to ensure they retain their place in the side.
You wouldn’t catch Michael Doyle saying to Mark Robins, “Sorry gaffer, I feel a bit tired today – is it all right if I sit this one out?”
And the same goes for McNulty who has been taken under the skipper’s wing since their time together at Portsmouth.
Players have got to want it, and McNulty is certainly up for it – Doyle’s desire, character and influence has clearly rubbed off on the striker who has thrown himself wholeheartedly into this football club.
And that’s why fans should be patient, stick with him and remain confident that he will start banging them in sooner rather than later.