FOOTBALL: FORMER Premier League star Yakubu could make his Coventry City debut tonight in the crucial League One fixture at AFC Wimbledon, pending ‘international clearance’.
The 34-year-old former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers striker signed for the Sky Blues yesterday.
The Coventry Observer has learned manager Russell Slade is considering adding the former Nigerian intenational to the squad for tonight’s match – possibly on the bench – not least because striker Stuart Beavon will have a late fitness test on his recurring hamstring injury.
It is hoped Beavon will be fit and the injury is no more than a minor strain. But he did not train yesterday.
He was taken off at half-time in last week’s Checkatrade Trophy semi-final clash against Wycombe at the Ricoh Arena; and was also replaced at half-time against Fleetwood last month.
International clearance is needed for Yakubu on account of his last club being Turkish side Kayserispor.
It is hope Yakubu will provide the goals needed for the Sky Blues’ increasingly challenging relegation battle.
He put pen-to-paper on a short term deal which will keep him at the Ricoh Arena until May.
As we reported yesterday, Slade said of the deal: “We’re pleased to have secured the signing of Yakubu, who brings vast experience and a terrific goal record.
“His professional career speaks for itself, having scored consistently at the highest level of English football, and will act as a superb role model for the younger players.
“He is astute on the ball, has clear quality and presence, and we’ll continue to work on his match fitness as we prepare for the final 16 games of this season.”
The ‘Yak’, as he is more commonly known, scored 96 goals in 253 Premier League appearances and also bagged 11 goals in 20 league appearances during a brief spell on loan at Leicester City.
We also revealed Slade is also looking at two other players in his search for forward players, both with experience of playing in the Premier League.
* More news as we get it.
