Lampard: Awoniyi Must Fight for Starting Spot at Coventry

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard says Taiwo Awoniyi faces competition for a starting place following his return from suspension ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Nigeria international is available again after completing a three-match ban imposed following his red card against Brighton.

Awoniyi returns to a Coventry side boosted by consecutive victories over Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, but he may have to settle for a place on the bench after the impressive performances of his fellow forwards.

Teenager Sidiki Cherif scored and won a penalty on his full Premier League debut, while Ellis Simms has also impressed, giving Lampard options in attack ahead of the trip to north London.

Speaking about the competition for places, Lampard said having several capable strikers was essential for a club looking to establish itself in the Premier League.

‘It’s good competition in a critical area of the pitch,’ Lampard said.

‘If you want to try and do well in this league or stay in this league and progress in this league, you have to be able to have strikers that can do the all-round striker job but also score your goals.

‘You need, with the rigours of this league, to push each other, back each other and be there when called upon. There’s nothing better.’

Lampard acknowledged Awoniyi’s contribution before his suspension but stressed that the striker would have to compete with the players who have taken their opportunities in his absence.

‘T has missed his three games, he’s back in, we bought him for a reason. I think he was doing pretty well before the red card and missing the games,’ he said.