TONY Mowbray believes striker Adam Armstrong can go on to become a top Premier League striker but he still has plenty more to learn during his six-month loan period with the Sky Blues.
After baggins eight goals in just nine appearances, the 18-year-old has firmly cememented himself as one of the brightest young prospects in English football.
His performances for the Sky Blues have caught the attention of England Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate who revealed to the Observer last week that he is a keen admirer of Armstrong.
But Mowbray feels the teenager still has lots to learn and he wants Armstrong to continue his development at the Ricoh Arena until his loan period expires in January.
“It’s important that if he wants to play in the Premier League that he develops his football knowledge,” said Mowbray .”With total respect to this league, he won’t be sprinting away from Premier League centre-halves like he does at this level.
“He needs to keep doing what he’s doing. He listens to game-plans and tries to understand the different roles he can play which will be important for his development.
“Regarding his future, we’ve just got to let the boy enjoy his football. He’s very respectful of the group and I really enjoy working with him as he is very humble, and just because he’s scored a few goals doesn’t mean that he wants to stop learning.
“Of course, Adam is away on international duty for the next two games but when he comes back, we’ll continue to work with him and make him a better player.”
Armstrong’s performances have not gone unnoticed closer to home, with Newcastle boss Steve McClaren keeping tabs on the teenager.
Mowbray revealed he spoke to the former England boss last week about Armstrong’s progress and the pair discussed the importance of first team football in Armstrong’s development.
“He (McClaren) wants to know how he’s doing and he wants to know how we’re playing him,” Mowbray added.
“He’s not just stood up front between the two centre-halves, he’s developing his game. He’s a part of the team and the way we function, and we’ve played him behind the main striker and on the wings which is important for him.
“They spent £15 million on a striker in the summer and they’ve got some great players there who are ahead of him.
“Put it into context really, he’s an 18-year old boy who needs to develop his game. The qualities he has hurt defenders in this league but at this moment in time, I don’t think he’d be able to do that to Premier League defenders.”
