A Battle of New Strikers In Trophy Semi-Final

Thursday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy semi-final between Coventry City and Preston North End could be a battle between two strikers who have joined the respective teams in the past few days.

Leon Clarke, after initially signing for the Sky Blues on loan, has now penned a permanent deal in CV6 and, after a cameo appearance against Shrewsbury and a tough task at Spurs, will be looking to make his mark on his new club with the goals to get them into the Northern Area final.

Preston will be looking to Joe Garner to perform a similar feat after signing the 24-year-old North End fan following his release by Watford.

Both players have scored goals during loan spells in League One this season, Garner on loan at former club Carlisle United and Clarke with Scunthorpe United.

City will also have Blair Adams available for the game after his loan deal from Sunderland was extended with a view to a permanent move if the Black Cats allow the left-back to leave.

"He has been a catalyst for change," Mark Robins told the Coventry Telegraph.

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