FRANK Lampard praised the reaction of Coventry City defender Luke Woolfenden after the centre-back made his first start in a month against Bristol City.
Woolfenden returned to the squad and made a rare start against the Robins following some impressive displays in training.
And the 27-year-old repaid his manager’s faith by helping Coventry record a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory at Ashton Gate.
Woolfenden had not featured for the Sky Blues since a goalless draw against Oxford United in early February.
And Lampard hopes his decision to start Woolfenden will send a positive message to other players left out of the side in recent weeks.
Lampard said: “It’s because of how he’s training. He’s a good player, that’s why he’s at the club.
“He’s been promoted from this league and played games in the Premier League.
“He wasn’t in the squad last week [against Stoke] but the way he’s reacted in training made me put him in the teams.
“And he played like that. I’m not trying to patronise Luke because and make one thing about him.
“This is the message for everybody, some players might get despondent if they’re out the team.
“I get that, that’s human nature. But if you keep training and doing the right thing, your opportunity will come.
“When you deal with it in the way Luke did, it’s a massive sign.
“He’s an experienced player and a good player and I’m really pleased people are seeing him play to that level and we need him.”
