Mighty Mo Konjic is ready for the battle of the titans at Newcastle United tonight.

The former Bosnian soldier, who fought for his life when his country was invaded, and once played a match with two broken arms, will not be worried about facing up to England striker Alan Shearer.

He might even find himself up against Duncan Ferguson, who at 6ft 4in matches him in height, but that too will have no worries for the big Bosnian.

He has proved his pedigree at the top. He was in the Monaco team which knocked Manchester United out of the European Champions League last season at the quarter final stage and he has been capped 35 times by his country.

He gets his chance tonight because Gary Breen has been axed following the debacle in the FA Cup at Everton on Saturday.

Coventry were lethargic at Goodison and were outfought by a side which was reckoned by most to be of inferior quality.

Breen went from international football to reserve football in seven days. He played in the Republic of Ireland side which beat Paraguay 2-0 last Wednesday, he was in Coventry’s first team at Everton and then last night found himself in the reserves at Grimsby – a sure sign that he is out of favour.

The reserves won 3-0 to stay top of Pontins League Division One. Stephano Giaocchini scored twice to keep the pressure on first teamers Noel Whelan and Darren Huckerby.