MARK Delaney believes his Coventry City under-21s side are developing nicely after securing their place in the Birmingham Senior Cup semi-finals.
The young Sky Blues beat Redditch United 2-0 to reach the last four of the competition.
And Delaney admits his players must start stepping into men’s football to continue their development.
Delaney said: “We’ve enjoyed this competition over the years, and it gives our lads a different challenge and one they need because 21s football is not where they need to be challenged.
“It’s fair to say that these boys need to be stepping into the men’s game, so this competition has been very good to us development wise.
“It’s a good vibe around the place. We go and make sure we watch every home game when we can.
“We’re trying to implement some of the stuff the head coach wants and at the end of the day it’s all down to hard work and if we can get results like the first team have been doing then everyone will be in a good place.”
A goal from a trialist put City ahead before Jayden Smith’s late goal sealed Coventry’s place in the semi-finals.
And Delaney praised the impact of Raphael Borges Rodrigues who has endured an injury-hit first campaign with the Sky Blues.
Delaney added: “Rapha asked to play, and it shows he wants to get some minutes under his belt, and I thought he looked fit and strong, and it was good for him to get 90 minutes.
“He was a threat all night and he put in a good ball for the second goal, so we’re just pleased to have him.
“We’ve had a couple [of trialists] in the last few days, and I thought they both acquitted themselves really well.
“It’s never easy coming in, but it’s a good chance for them and a good chance for us to have a look at them.
“We played some good stuff, we’re happy to get the two goals and the clean sheet and ultimately getting through to the next round is the most important thing.”
Coventry under-21s next take to the pitch against Sheffield United on Friday, March 28 with kick-off at 1pm at the CBS Arena.
