Rudoni 'looks a top-flight player in the making'

It's the play-offs again for Coventry, but this time they have Jack Rudoni.

His outstanding display against Middlesbrough on Saturday was the catalyst to an excellent victory in front of a club-record crowd at the CBS Arena.

The 23-year-old - signed last summer after two solid but unspectacular seasons at Huddersfield, which concluded in relegation - has blossomed with the Sky Blues.

Against Middlesbrough in a high-stakes game, I saw a player with great awareness, vision and balance.

His ability to maintain possession of the ball in tight areas is superb; he didn't seem to go more than 30 seconds without touching the ball, such was his presence in all areas of Coventry's attacking play.

Much like Frank Lampard in his prime, Rudoni possesses the instinctive qualities that take him into areas that make him a supreme goal threat as well.

He's now scored nine goals this season - all but two of the coming since the appointment of boss Lampard, who told me after the game that he is a huge admirer of his midfield lynchpin.

"I work with him a lot because he's easy to work with," said Lampard.

"He engages, he wants to get better. He's got great talent, he's got great energy.

"We work on finishing. He's so infectious as a lad. Sometimes when you work with a player and you see him grow and improve individually, that's a real pleasure too."

Lampard will now hope Rudoni can help guide Coventry to the Premier League.

Released by Crystal Palace as a youngster, he looks to be a top-flight player in the making - as astute a signing as any Championship side made last summer.