Lampard thrilled Coventry keeper call pays off

Frank Lampard has collected 52 points from 29 games as Coventry City boss

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard was thrilled that his "big call" to change his goalkeeper was rewarded as the Sky Blues secured a Championship play-off spot.

Lampard brought in Ben Wilson for his first start since October to replace Brad Collins and the recalled Wilson made six saves in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.

It now sets up Coventry for a play-off semi-final against Sunderland with the first leg at the CBS Arena on Friday (20:00 BST).

"It's a big call," Lampard told BBC CWR. "All eyes go on the goalkeeper when you make a change for the last game of the season.

"Ben was calm with his feet, big saves and quick out of his box. He can be very happy with his performance."

Ben Wilson's appearance against Middlesbrough was his first for 208 days

Collins was dropped following a couple of mistakes in the past few games, notably the injury-time winner Luton Town scored at Kenilworth Road seven days ago.

That result had left Coventry's play-off destiny unknown heading into the final game, but Wilson provided a huge barrier to Boro.

He made a big save to deny Finn Azaz with the game goalless in the first half and then when the visitors threatened an equaliser after the break, Wilson came up with some vital saves to preserve that advantage.

The 32-year-old had a knee injury when Lampard came into the club in November but he returned to fitness, waited for his chance and rewarded his manager on Saturday.

"Ben had quite a bad injury and it was not until recently that he was saying he was feeling better and looking better," he said.

"For a goalkeeper with an injury, it's not easy to train at their level. It's only recently that he was ready, and I knew he was.

"Ben's a great supporter, he's a big personality in the dressing room, and his performance was outstanding considering."