Football
Gary McSheffrey welcomes return to form for Sky Blues

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GARY McSheffrey has put his return to form down to manager Mark Robins.

Last month McSheffrey revealed how he felt he needed to win the supporters over following a series of below-par performances.

But the 29-year-old seems to have done that with an inspirational performance against Walsall on Saturday which earned him a standing ovation when he was subbed after 75 minutes.

“The standing ovation was nice, but I would have preferred to have stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes because there were more goals in that game,” he told the Observer.

“But it was a lovely feeling because only a few months ago there was one game when I got booed after we lost so it is nice.

“I know deep down my individual performances weren't up to the standards I've set myself in the past, but I've always said I need to get match fit and give myself a run in the team.

“It always helps when other people are chipping in. David (McGoldrick) has got a lot of goals, Carl Baker is playing well and is getting goals too, our midfielders are playing well and the defence is looking quite solid.

“Everyone is doing their job at the minute.”

Saturday's 5-1 victory moved the Sky Blues up to 15th in the table, nine points off the play-offs.

“Hopefully we're heading back in the right direction but there's still loads to do," added McSheffrey.

“There's still lots of games to come and we've just got to make sure we keep this momentum going because we had a bad start and it would be disappointing if that lets us down come the end of the season.”

Having remained unbeaten in the last four matches at home, the Sky Blues head to Doncaster on Saturday looking for their fourth consecutive away win without banned Baker.

“Carl (Baker) is having a good season. He's showing the potential that he was showing before he came to the club," said McSheffrey.

“He's assisted and he's scoring goals too so he's really got his head on this season and he's doing the business.

“We're without him on Saturday so that will give someone else an opportunity and we'll go there trying to come away with all three points.

“Doncaster is going to be a tough game but we're definitely one of the most in-form teams in the league.

“We've got to go there with confidence, fear nothing, and hope we can win the game.”

As for the club's well documented off-field problems, the Coventry born and bred midfielder said: “What will be, will be. We're not in any control of that.

"We've just got to show the fans we're fighting for the cause and not let things get to us.”

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