ROBINS: O’HARE IS TOP CAL-IBRE
SKY BLUES BOSS WANTS LOAN ACE TO CONTINUE TO PLAY A KEY ROLE
MARK Robins remains hopeful that Aston Villa’s Callum O’Hare will stay at Coventry City for the remainder of the season.
The exciting midfielder is on a season-long with the Sky Blues where he has earned rave reviews, none more so than his sensational man-of-the-match display against Bristol Rovers in Tuesday night’s FA Cup third round replay at St Andrew’s.
Villa boss Dean Smith said last week that he would look at his loan players’ situations before the January transfer window closes but Robins has no reason to think anything will change with the arrangement with the Premier League club.
Asked if he’s had confirmation from Villa Park that the 21-yearold is clear to stay for the second half of the campaign, when City are looking to push for promotion to the Championship, Robins said: “We don’t need it, we have got him for the season.
“So unless they call him back, which is well within their rights, we don’t need confirmation.
“But, ultimately, he’s their player and we’re totally respectful of everything and what people want to do with their players is up to them.
“I hope they don’t because he’s played a huge part and will continue to do so.”
O’Hare had been used as a regular impact sub in the weeks prior to Tuesday night’s cup tie, but it’s clear the lively forward’s hot form will command more match minutes in the coming games, starting with today’s trip to fellow League one high-fliers Doncaster Rovers (3pm).
Fellow loan star, Liam Walsh, has been a regular in the starting line-up since early November and Coventry have had confirmation that he will be staying for the full duration of his season-long loan from Championship outfit Bristol City.
“We have been saying about Liam and Callum that Walshy has played more minutes of late but things will change round,” said Sky Blues manager Robins.
“And Callum’s performance the other night, and previously to that when he’s come on from the bench, he’s been outstanding.
“So he will continue to develop with us and hopefully we have got him for the rest of the season.
“But like I say, we’re getting on with things because no-one has said anything to us.”
Asked if he’s seen a marked development in O’Hare since joining the club in the summer, Robins said: “I think he’s a good player, there’s no doubt about it, and what he’s got is really good quality and a really calm head, and he will get better and better. And he needs to play.
“And what he has done here is good for his development and will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.”
The manager added: “He’s done really well and is pushing and pushing all the time, but he’s doing that to try to make himself better.
“He doesn’t change in training. He’s exactly the same in games and that will mean he improves and becomes the best he can possibly be because he gives himself the best opportunity in training every day.”