Coventry City's manager Gordon Strachan is considering placing the club's future in the hands of the younger players in his squad next season.

With skipper Gary McAllister still unsure whether he will be offered a new contract and Carlton Palmer now convalescing after two operations on different parts of his anatomy, the manager must be looking to a change in midfield.

McAllister, 35, fears his time at Coventry could be over when this season ends, while Palmer, 34, faces several weeks' hard work to recover from operations on his ankle and hamstring muscle.

Strachan is expected to seize the moment to refashion his midfield. Moustapha Hadji and Youssef Chippo have played out of position all season on the midfield flanks. Hadji's acknowledged best position is 'in the hole' behind two main strikers, while Chippo considers his main role as central midfield.

But the manager could keep them out wide and utilise the youthful talents of John Eustace, Barry Quinn, both 20 and his son Gavin, who is 21, in the central midfield department.

JOHN EUSTACE

Eustace has already won firm followers with his displays since Palmer was injured, while Quinn has turned in some promising performances out of position in either full-back berth.

Quinn, an understated player, is building an impressive portfolio on the international scene. He captained the Republic of Ireland under-18 team to the World Youth Championship and is now a regular at under-21 level.

He has made a slow start at first team level for Coventry but is clearly being groomed for better things.

He says:

"I prefer to play in midfield, but I do quite like playing at left back even though I am right footed. Injuries have meant that I have had to fill in at full back this season. I would have liked to have played more first team games, but hopefully that will change next season."
      

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