Mifsud back in Coleman's plans

Michael Mifsud has made it clear that he is fully committed in honouring his contract at Coventry City after manager Chris Coleman declared that the Malta forward was back in his plans.

The past few weeks have been rather difficult for the Malta international forward. After reports of a transfer request, the former Kaiserslautern and Lillestroem forward was on the verge of leaving the Sky Blues to join fellow Championship side Bristol City.

However, the move did not materialize after Mifsud failed to agree personal terms with the Robins. On his return to Coventry, the Malta striker found himself frozen out of the first-team squad after Coleman said that he did not feature in his plans.

However, this week the former Fulham boss had a change of heart when he included Mifsud in his squad for Wednesday's League Cup match against Aldershot at the Ricoh Arena. Mifsud responded with a spirited performance to help the team to a 3-1 win.

After the match, Mifsud quashed all doubts on where his heart was at the moment.

"I always had passion for this club," Mifsud told reporters yesterday.

"I was always happy here. I am committed to Coventry and I try my best in whatever I do."

Mifsud's committed performance on Wednesday did not go unnoticed by Coleman.

"We are still in two cup competitions so we are going to need all our players," Coleman told the club's website.

"We want Michael Mifsud to stay here and play for us. If Michael keeps giving us that performance and that level of commitment only a fool would leave him out of the squad and I am not a fool.

"As long as I get that from all of our players I will be happy."

Meanwhile, Coventry were yesterday handed a dream second round tie in the League Cup when they were drawn to play Newcastle United at the Ricoh Arena later on this month.