‘We had to make changes prior to kick-off, with Jack coming in to what probably would have been one of the most difficult arenas – he did really well’
ROBINS IMPRESSED AS CITY GRADUATE PASSES TOUGH TEST WITH FLYING COLOURS
MARK Robins admits to throwing Coventry City’s latest Academy graduate in at the deep end when the Sky Blues travelled to Watford at the weekend.
And the manager was delighted when Jack Burroughs came through the test with flying colours after being asked to keep tabs on the Hornets’ Sweden international forward Ken Sema in the first half at Vicarage Road where he made his first start for the club.
Deployed at left wing-back ahead of Jake Bidwell – whom Robins was trying to protect due to being a booking away from a one match ban as well as giving a much-needed rest after featuring in every game so far this season – the 21-year-old was then asked to switch across to the right to look after the rapid Ismaila Sarr, who cost Watford £30 million and has 50 Premier League appearances to his name.
“We had to make one or two changes prior to kick-off, with Jack coming in to what probably would have been one of the most difficult arenas to come into, certainly one of the most difficult opponents with Ken Sema on that side and then Ismaila Sarr on the other side,” said proud boss Robins. “He’s been asked to defend but also contribute in an attacking sense as well which he did really well.” Robins added: “He had a loan spell at Ross County last year so he’s experienced some big games, played against Celtic and Rangers last year and that was a brilliant experience for him, although he was in at the start of the season and then tapered away in the second half of the season. But he’s a young player who is new to this level of football and it’s done him the world of good.
“He’s a really good player and it’s someone else from the Academy who has come in and shown the way for others to follow again. I think that’s testament to everyone who has worked with him but more so to Jack himself.”
A good size and possessing impressive pace, Burroughs’ versatility and athleticism is a clear strength as the lad looks to break through into the first team and bridge the gap from development football.
Asked about his position, Robins said: “He’s a midfield player and a really good athlete. Other parts of his
He’s a really good player and it’s someone else from the Academy who has come in and shown the way.
Mark Robins
game have to catch up but he’s a really good lad who works his socks off, and that should give him and his family a really good weekend. He can enjoy that and then switch on to what’s coming next week, which is a really big week for us.”
The Scotland Under-21 international admits he has needed to be patient to get his full debut with the Sky Blues, having made seven cameo showings from the bench prior to Saturday.
“It’s been a few years coming, but it’s certainly one to tick off and it’s a proud moment for me and my family,” he said, speaking after the 1-0 City away win.
“I found out after training, the gaffer named the team and I was surprised. I wasn’t expecting to see my name there but I was over the moon. I left my dad in suspense. I didn’t tell him straight away but he was over the moon when I told him.”
Having been sent out on loan last season, Burroughs revealed that he had a talk with Robins in the summer to outline his ambitions and preferred option for his development this term.
“I spoke to the gaffer in pre-season and said that I would like to stay around this season and try and force my way into the team,” he said.
“I knew when I get an opportunity, I have to make the most of it because then he gets the trust in you to do it week in, week out and hopefully I’ve got that trust, or I’m starting to gain that trust that I can do it on a regular basis this season now.”