McSheffrey's milestone long overdue

Gary McSheffrey's superbly taken goal against Leeds United on Saturday was his 50th in a Sky Blues shirt, a milestone that it looked at one stage in his career as if he would never reach.

Tipped for great things from an early age, no-one has suffered more perhaps from the revolving door policy that has been Coventry City's managerial appointments in recent years.

McSheffrey should really have been a first-team regular from the days when relegation and financial problems forced City to ditch the big names and big earners.

After starting the 2002/03 season brightly under Gary McAllister, McSheffrey ended the campaign used mainly as a substitute if at all and was loaned out to Luton at the start of the following campaign.

A return of 9 goals in 19 games showed what he was capable of and City can be thankful that the Hatters at that stage were unable to contemplate a permanent signing.

A decent run under Eric Black, when he formed a good partnership with Julian Joachim towards the end of that same season was then halted when Peter Reid took over the following year and McSheffrey was again loaned out to Luton after featuring in the first half-a-dozen games.

Now settled seemingly into his role as a wide midfielder, McSheffrey is demonstrating week after week, an intelligence (his anticipation of the back header for the goal against Sheffield United for instance) and an eye for goal that must be catching the eye of other clubs.

It is certainly not going unnoticed by the media. Reports on the Leeds game at the weekend drew attention to McSheffrey's display, with the Sunday People saying: 'McSheffrey cemented his reputation as one of the hottest strikers outside the Premiership.'

Norwich and Sheffield United have been linked at various stages this season but the Ricoh Arena is a good place to be right now and McSheffrey should be leading the charge for a top-six finish next season.

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