Nippy striker eager to make big impact for Sky Blues

Michael Mifsud is intrigued by the challenge of proving himself in English football after he inked a two-and-a-half-year deal with Coventry City.

The 25-year-old Malta striker yesterday trained for the first time with his new team-mates after signing on a free transfer from Norwegian club Lillestrom earlier this week.

"I have always wanted to play in England and it has been a dream of mine since I was a kid," Mifsud told reporters yesterday.

"Obviously, I wanted to play at a higher level, so this is a big step in my career. It is always good to have a challenge in life.

"English football is very popular in Malta and, actually, I have a friend who has a best friend who supports Coventry, so he is very happy that I have signed."

Mifsud, who will wear the no.17 shirt at Coventry, was Lillestrom's top league marksman with 11 goals last season.

Lillestrom were keen to extend Mifsud's two-and-half-year stay with them but the former Sliema Wanderers and Kaiserslautern hitman rejected their overtures as he had set his heart on a move elsewhere.

English Premier League strugglers Sheffield United were widely reported to be heading the race for Mifsud's signature but Coventry's long-standing interest convinced him to pledge his future to the Sky Blues.

"I had other options, of course, but Micky Adams worked hard to get me to this club. I really appreciated the fact that he came all the way over to Norway to watch me play," Mifsud remarked.

"I am the type of player who can give a lot of energy and never gives up, and hopefully create options for my team-mates. I like to score nice goals with both feet."

Mifsud also expressed his optimism about Coventry's chances of turning their season around. Coventry are currently 16th in the 24-team league with 34 points from 27 matches.

"I came over and watched Coventry and I like everything about the club, so I think I can really settle here. I just want to do my best and play well for Coventry," he said.

"I am sure the club will get through this bad patch because there is a good team here.

"I have been to the beautiful stadium and watched the game against Derby. So I am looking forward to making my debut, hopefully on Saturday (tomorrow)."

Mifsud, who turned in a superb display in Malta's 2-1 victory over Hungary in a Euro 2008 qualifier in October, could make his Coventry debut in their home match against Crystal Palace tomorrow, possibly as a substitute, if his international clearance comes through in time.

Although Mifsud's last competitive run-out for Lillestrom was in November, he has tried to keep himself in good shape by training with Sliema Wanderers.

Coventry City coach Micky Adams is backing Mifsud, who has scored 12 goals in 44 matches for Malta, to become a favourite with the Sky Blues faithful.

"Michael has signed a two-and-a half-year contract and I expect to see him score some goals somewhere along the line," said Adams, delighted to have finally secured his long-term target.

"I hope there isn't any pressure on his shoulders. He is a player I have seen and admired and thought if I had the chance of getting him, it would be well worth it.

Crowd pleaser

"He is one of those players who the crowd will take to quite easily because he is very sharp and quick and plays off people's shoulders. He is different to what we have got, so once he settles in I would think he will be fine."

Adams admitted he was instantly impressed by Mifsud when he went to watch him play for Lillestrom.

"I have been on many, many foreign trips and sometimes they are an absolute waste of time," the Coventry boss said.

"But as soon as the game kicked off I thought that he was the type of player that I would want at my club. He is enthusiastic, pacy and has scored goals in a decent Norwegian league.

"We have to remember that he hasn't played for a while and had a rest and a holiday but he doesn't look to be one of those players that we have to worry about in terms of his weight and fitness."