MATT Grimes admits Coventry City are striving to reach the performance level of league leaders Leeds United.
Grimes made his Sky Blues debut as a second-half substitute against the title contenders as City slipped to a 2-0 defeat at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
And despite entering the pitch with Coventry already trailing by two goals, the midfielder enjoyed his first outing in a Sky Blue shirt.
Grimes said: “Leeds are a top team. That is the level we are striving to get to.
“In my opinion, they are the best team in the league so yeah, I was chucked right in the deep end.
“I loved it, absolutely loved it.
“The atmosphere before the game was incredible. Both sets of fans were brilliant and that created a fantastic atmosphere.
“It was a tough game to make my debut in, but it was brilliant.”
Grimes will sit out City’s FA Cup tie against Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town this weekend after featuring for former club Swansea City in the third round of the competition.
And the cup-tied midfielder feels he has settled in nicely after becoming Frank Lampard’s first signing as Sky Blues head coach.
Grimes added: “It is frustrating [to miss the FA Cup game]. It would be nice to get some games ticked off but that is all I can do now, prepare the best I can for [the next game].
“I feel like I am settling in really well, the lads are brilliant, the manager is top, and I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
“I do not think it will be a challenge to settle, not really. I think I am quite an easy-going guy.
“I kind of take things in my stride as they come, the first week has been decent so let’s carry on from there.”
Coventry host Ipswich in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, February 8 with kick-off at 3pm at the CBS Arena.
