SKY Blues striker Shaun Miller is hoping he has done enough to warrant a place in Steven Pressley’s first team ahead of this Saturday’s home League One clash against Preston North End.
The 26-year-old, who joined the Sky Blues from Sheffield United on a free transfer in the summer, has already opened his account for the club during the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat against Cardiff City at the beginning of the season.
But he has been sidelined in recent weeks due to a calf and ankle injury.
This week he scored a brace for the club’s under-21s side as they drew 2-2 at Colchester United on Tuesday.
And Miller is hoping his recent success in front of goal has caught the eye of manager Pressley.
“I was happy to get the goals.” Miller told the club’s official website. “It was my first real action since my calf injury.
“Initially, I had the calf injury and then I picked up an ankle sprain as well. I’ve been trying to manage that and it hasn’t necessarily kept me out but it is something we’ve had to be careful over.
“I thought I was very close to being in the starting line-up and I thought I was unlucky to pick up the injury when I did as I missed the chance to play in the first game back at the Ricoh.
“I do sense an opportunity to make an impact. I think my performances in training and my substitute appearances have always added something.
“I think there are chances in the first-team and if I can get a good run in the team, I’ll improve with every game and score goals.”
Pressley faces a welcome selection headache heading into Saturday’s match as the Sky Blues look to bounce back from back-to-back defeats.
Ryan Haynes will be pushing to replace Danny Pugh at left-wing back after the former Manchester United player made a return to the first team during the 1-0 defeat at Rochdale.
Striker Marcus Tudgay will also be hoping to get the nod although he faces competition in attack from Simeon Jackson and Frank Nouble.
And Pressley could be tempted to start Danny Swanson who returned last weekend as a second half substitute after the midfielder was given an extended period away to settle in at his new club.
The Sky Blues have only beaten Preston twice in 24 league matches since 2001. Last season both sides contested a pulsating 4-4 draw at Sixfields while the return fixture ended 1-1 at Deepdale.
