Coventry City’s Bosnian defender Muhamed Konjic is hoping to put his injury worries behind him and mount a serious challenge for a permanent place in the first team.

The giant centre back has had a host of problems since joining the club from Monaco for £2 million a year ago, but now believes he can prove his worth to the City fans.

After making only fleeting appearances as a substitute so far this campaign Konjic was recalled to the side in place of Paul Williams in Wednesday night’s victory over Tranmere and manager Gordon Strachan thinks he did well.

He said:

"Big Mo was perhaps a bit over excited at getting back into the team and he did concede the foul that led to Tranmere’s goal because of that.

"We threw him back into the team because we felt that the extra height would come in useful and I think he did quite well.

"It is really the first time since he has been at the club that he has been fully fit to play football."

And the 29-year-old himself believes that he must now settle down in English football.

He said:

"I have had some injuries since I came to Coventry which have meant that I could not get a long run in the first team.

"Hopefully now these are behind me and I can stay fit and compete with the other defenders at the club for the positions available."

Konjic signed for City on a three-year deal last season, but unlike other non-EU signings he will not struggle to retain his work permit as the rules have now changed.

It used to be that players must appear in 75% of their club's games in each year, but now they must appear in 75% of their countries international fixtures across the duration of their contract.