Sky Blues need some Gary McSheffrey magic

Having given out an optimistic message for much of the season it must gall Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd to be talking about a safety target of 52/53 points but that is where the Sky Blues find themselves, needing wins to ensure April does not turn out to be a fraught month.

Boothroyd clearly retains the backing of a majority of fans and his cause would be helped no end by a strong finish to the season, something that eluded Chris Coleman during his time at the club.

To that end some Gary McSheffrey magic would be timely when Hull City visit the Ricoh Arena this weekend with the local boy in settled mood after agreeing a contract extension for next season.

He told the Coventry Telegraph: 'My aim is to play every game that's left this season and stay in the team. I will take it one game at a time because before you know it you can be out of the team whether you think you should be playing or not.

'I am here next year because my option in my contract for a second season has kicked in. It was triggered after 25 starts for the club this season and I think I got that against Forest.

'It is good because it settles you and means you can feel more comfortable knowing you are here for another season so I will get my head down and concentrate on working hard.'

McSheffrey himself felt it was a wrong decision to drop him to the bench in recent games and the 28-year-old offers a threat from a midfield position unmatched by any of his teammates.

Five goals this season in the league is as many as City's other recognised midfielders (Carsley, Clingan, Bell, Gunnarsson and Baker) have managed between them and goals from that area are desperately needed in the absence of Marlon King.

Hull meanwhile still have hopes of making the play-offs after an excellent start to 2011.

'As a club there seems to be a real togetherness at the moment and we need to keep that if we want success,' said defender Liam Rosenior.

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