O’NEILL IN SALUTE TO ‘NEW’ JOE

STEVEN BOX

MICHAEL O’NEILL hailed the return of Joe Allen as being like a new signing for Stoke.

The former Liverpool and Swansea midfielder, 30, made his comeback after nine months out with an Achilles injury.

And O’Neill believes he can play a big part for the Potters in the second half of the season as well as with Wales at next summer’s Euros.

“It is a new signing,” said the Stoke boss, who gave Allen the final 26 minutes. “It was difficult for Joe because he was operated on and then we went into lockdown.

“Joe wants to get back playing. If he’s playing in our team then I’ve no doubt he’ll be a big part of the Wales side.

“We’ve coped with an extensive list of injuries and if we can get players back, and maybe add some in January, we can continue to try to challenge for a top-six place.”

Coventry sub Amadou Bakayoko was denied by keeper Josef Bursik (above), while Jordan Thompson‘s effort came back off the bar.

Striker Matty Godden made his first start for almost two months after a foot injury and revealed he is playing through the pain.

“I had a couple of halfchances and I back myself once my sharpness comes fully back to take those,” he said. “As much as I can manage the pain, I’m prepared to go through it. If it’s too bad, it’s too bad.”

COVENTRY: Wilson 6, Dabo 6, McCallum 7, Ostigard 7, McFadzean 7, Hyam 6, Allen 6, Sheaf 6 (Biamou 74, 7), Hamer 5, O’Hare 5 (Shipley 88), Godden 8 (Bakayoko 74, 6) STOKE: Bursik 7, Smith 8, Collins 7, Souttar 7, Chester 7, McClean 6, Cousins 6, Thompson 7 (Allen 64, 6), Powell 7, Brown 9, Fletcher 6 REFEREE: Jarred Gillett