Waggy enjoyed the highs after the lows – boss
MARK Robins says Martyn Waghorn’s “euphoric” goal celebration against Sheffield United was simply a release of the player’s frustrations built up over his time at the club.
The experienced striker went on in the 65th minute against the Blades on Wednesday night, scored the winning goal in the 87th and was forced off injured with a tight hamstring in the 90th, leaving him a fitness concern for today’s trip to Stoke City.
The former Derby County player has endured a frustrating first 18 months with the Sky Blues.
The 32-year-old has only made 12 starts and 20 appearances from the bench in the league since signing for City in the summer of 2021, restricted significantly by three months out with a calf strain last season.
He’s been the subject of criticism and disappointment from the fans from time to time but showed on Wednesday night at the CBS Arena that he still has plenty to offer in terms of his calm head – not least from his brilliant penalty kick – and quality and experience on the ball to help the team manage and see out games.
“He was euphoric and I think his celebrations got rid of a lot of frustrations that he has built up over time,” said manager Robins, “but he also showed a lot of quality so it was really disappointing that he had to come off.
“I think that when you look at his time here, and I think people had a lot of expectations of him because of his experience, and people have preconceived ideas of him. And when that doesn’t match what the expectations are then it becomes disappointment, and I think that’s the overriding feeling from people, including Martyn. So that was the frustration, the relief and euphoria after winning the game for us and then it came down because he had to come off. He was absolutely delighted to have contributed a brilliant goal from the penalty spot, but if you think back to his last game for Derby County when he scored two goals that kept them up.
“He’s taken pressure penalties before and been in pressure situations before, and he’s used his experience to good effect. He’s always good to have around. He’s someone who’s emotional and someone who lets his feelings be known, and if he’s disappointed you try to keep him in check.
“He’s an experienced player and older member of the squad who has experienced a lot of things in games. But his quality is there and he was moving really well. And that was the big thing for us the other night, it wasn’t just the goal. The execution was really good, and that’s what he has got.
“He was moving a lot better and although he’s not lightning quick, he never was, but as a technician, he’s absolutely outstanding and calm. And he can still contribute greatly if he’s available, and that’s the big thing.”
Staying fit is clearly the biggest hurdle for Waghorn, who is in his last eight months of his contract.
Asked for an update on his injury, Robins said: “We have to look and see how he is and how it settles over time.”
Asked whether he will be fit to travel to Stoke, he added: “We have to wait and see. I still don’t know. We have to work with him and see how things settle.”