Dom: We can rise to the challenge and get City into the play-offs

SKY BLUES STAR NOT PUT OFF BY DAUTNING RUN-IN TO SEASON

DOM Hyam says he sees no reason why Coventry City can’t push all the way to the play-offs after clawing their way to within a point and place of the top six with eight games to go.

The Sky Blues have a daunting final run-in, particularly away from home where they face three of sides pushing for automatic promotion in Barnsley, Sunderland and Portsmouth, as well as Doncaster Rovers who currently occupy the final play-off spot in sixth place.

But Hyam, who returned to action against Peterborough United at the weekend following two games out after being involved in a serious car accident, believes the players can rise to the challenge, particularly with more of the backing they enjoyed at Posh.

Asked if he thinks City can finish in the top six, the centre-half said: “I don’t see why not. We are on a good run so hopefully. We thrive off that pressure and quite enjoy playing those teams around us.

“We’re a confident bunch and feel we can face anyone. I think we have proved we quite enjoy playing against teams above and around us – we did it last season as well when we were quote formidable home and away.

“We are a confident bunch and we can take on anyone. And while we’re in and around it we might as well give it the best we can.”

City have taken ten points from last 12 on road, having turned round their promotion fortunes in the space of six weeks.

The Sky Blues were ten points off the play-offs and only eight clear of the relegation places at the beginning of February but now find themselves just a point off sixth spot.

“It’s amazing how quickly things change,” said Hyam.

“We are getting better and we have just got to keep this run going and continue playing good stuff.

“It was a bit hit and miss earlier in the season but we are performing well away from home so hopefully that continues.”

And the 23-year-old is convinced the fans have and will continue to play a huge part in their away day success.

“They are always our 12th man, especially away from home,” he said. Hyam made a return to the side ahead of schedule.

Tom Davies was in line to play alongside Jordan Willis at London Road until he ruled himself out with a sore hamstring.

“I was a little bit surprised to be back in but I just tried to use my experience to get me through it,” he said.

“I felt fine physically but it was just a question of whether the quality was there because I hadn’t really done much for ten days.

“I was struggling a bit towards the end but I was able to keep a calm head and I am just delighted to come away with three points.”

Speaking about his car accident, which happened on the way to training just under a fortnight ago, the defender said: “I don’t really remember much about it to be honest.

“The car took the brunt of the damage so I was really lucky to come away with just cuts and bruises. It was more the shock and trauma rather than the injuries that I had to get my head around.”

He added: “I rang my girlfriend first and then mum and dad, who shot straight up. It’s the last thing they were expecting a call to say I’d been in an accident and another person, the paramedic, telling them that I was all right.”

He also rang manager Mark Robins who dropped everything at Ryton and went straight to A&E to be with him until his family arrived.

So was he surprised to see his ‘gaffer’ at his bedside?

“I was a bit yes,” he said. “I was expecting my mum and dad to be there first but it was good of him and these are the little things you remember later on in your life. He didn’t have to do it but it was a really nice touch. The club have been excellent with me.”

I think we have proved we quite enjoy playing against teams above and around us. Dom Hyam