Coventry City believe Youssef Chippo is developing into the bargain buy of the season.

In last night’s Worthington Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers the Moroccan midfielder scored his fourth goal in nine games since his £1 million transfer from FC Porto, prompting manager Gordon Strachan to comment:

"He is phenomenal and I really think he is a top, top player."

Coventry’s manager added:

"We were not able to see him play much when we signed him because he was not in the Porto team, but he is very impressive."

Chippo is currently outshining his more illustrious compatriot Moustapha Hadji, but Strachan believes the combined outlay of £5 million is money well spent.

Gary McAllister, Coventry’s captain certainly thinks so. He said:

"I am not surprised they are doing so well. These guys are seasoned internationals who were playing at a very high level on the club scene. They are very good players."

Judging by his debut display last night against Tranmere Rovers Carlton Palmer must also be a snip at £500,000.

Coventry have taken him on loan from Nottingham Forest with a view to a permanent transfer and he performed as though he was a well-established member of the Coventry squad.

Strachan said he wanted a victory from the Tranmere match just to win a football game and he got that from a side without an experienced striker.

Now he waits to check his long casualty list before Saturday’s visit of West Ham United.

Goalkeeper Magnus Hedman (hamstring), Steve Froggatt (ankle), David Burrows (hamstring), Noel Whelan (ankle), John Aloisi (hamstring), Gary Breen (groin), Runar Normann (hamstring) and Laurent Delorge (knee) are all under treatment.

But Robbie Keane, eight goals in nine games for Wolves, Republic of Ireland and Coventry this season, will be back after being cup-tied.
  

©1995-2000 Coventry Internet Developments Ltd