YOUNGSTER George Thomas did his first-team opportunities no harm by bagging a brace for the Under-21s during an entertaining 3-3 draw against QPR at the Ricoh Arena on Monday.
The 18-year-old is knocking on Tony Mowbray’s door after shining once again for Jamie Clapham’s side.
Thomas, who is a regular for Wales Under-19s, has made four senior appearances from the bench this season but has yet to make his first start.
And Clapham believes the young striker is showing the right attitude to impress Mowbray, who was also in attendance on Monday.
“George Thomas got two goals and played really well but if you look at his all-round performance, he probably should have scored four,” said Clapham.
“His attitude and application is top draw so no doubt he’ll be working on that.
“Our Under-21s train with the first-team and I think you can see how much that develops them. They seem to thrive playing at the Ricoh Arena as well.”
Recent signing Lateef Elford-Alliyu scored the other goal for the Sky Blues in a game that saw Middlesbrough loanee make his debut in defence, while Conor Thomas partnered Bryn Morris in central midfield.
Clapham added: “We scored three but we definitely shouldn’t have conceded three. I was pleased with a lot of aspects of the game and a lot of individuals.
“Conor (Thomas) is a brave lad and it is something we’ve talked about with him. The gaffer has pointed out one or two aspects of his game he has got to improve and he’s working really hard.
“I’ve worked with Adam before at Middlesbrough and he’s played a lot of football at Under-21s level, the top end of Under-21s.
“He’s a good defender who can play out from the back and likes the challenge of doing it from centre-back. He balanced off Cian Harries, who technically is one of the best centre halves on the ball, and really complemented each other.”