Shepherd stars in Coventry collapse
George Shepherd has continued to give Frank Lampard a selection headache, after he took centre stage in a 2-1 loss to Peterborough United U21s at the CBS Arena.
Could Shepherd be back at the CBS soon?
The versatile midfielder played 60 minutes on the right-wing against ‘The Posh’ and wowed the supporters in attendance with his silky dribbling and fast feet.
First-team manager Frank Lampard called the teenager up to train with the senior squad and saw enough to include him among the substitutes twice in the Championship last month. Shepherd didn’t make his professional debut during the wins over Blackburn and Watford, watching from the bench both times. But a busy Winter schedule post November international break could be the perfect window for him to finally make his bow in the second tier. Just last week Lampard assured supporters, “He’ll get his opportunity if he keeps training and working hard.” and a string of impressive youth team performances will certainly help his case.
The former Chelsea boss is not the only person keeping a watchful eye over Shepherd’s progress. Rumours are circulating linking several Premier League sides, including Manchester United, with a move. An England youth debut may be on the cards, especially with England U17s due an overhaul following the U17 World Cup.
Shepherd in action at the CBS Arena.
Other players aiming to impress Lampard on Wednesday afternoon included Joel Latibeaudiere. The defender continued his return from a knee injury at the centre of the back three before being taken off after an hour. The Jamaica international faces a hard time deposing regular pairing Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching after their flying start to the season.
Jake Bidwell played alongside Latibeaudiere for Mark Dalaney’s men, with Spanish summer signing Miguel Angel Brau at left wing-back. The 23-year-old former Granada man stood out before his substitution early in the second half and could have put himself on the scoresheet had he not narrowly flashed his shot wide before half time. Despite a positive performance, Brau has some way to go to justify his 1 million euro pricetag, having played under an hour of Championship football this season.
Latibeaudiere looked solid as he continued his comeback from injury.
Coventry face a visit to Stoke on Saturday, and a number of players from Wednesday’s defeat will be optimistic of making Lampard’s matchday squad. Those not selected will likely be with the under-21s again for Monday afternoon’s game at Sheffield United in the Professional Development League.