Coventry City boss Mark Robins made a tough decision to take off on-loan Manchester City defender Callum Doyle just 23 minutes into his side's win 1-0 over Cardiff on Saturday afternoon.
Doyle, a centre back by trade who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, started on the right-hand-side of a back three was withdrawn midway through the first-half. The 19-year-old appeared to struggle with the role but has impressed generally on loan so far this season.
Former Manchester United player Robins has enjoyed a good spell as the Sky Blues' boss, but his side are struggling this season and with his side earning a crucial win they will hope to mount a run of form to pull them off the foot of the Championship table.
Robins revealed his thoughts to Robins after the match, telling Coventry Live: “Yes, I thought he’d started slowly and they’d just got the measure of him, and I think he’s carrying a knock. He wasn’t moving right anyway and that’s just part of his learning and his development. It’s never nice for anyone to be brought off but, ultimately, it’s a learning experience as well.
“Ultimately you have got to play at a certain level to be able to stay in the team and we wanted to win the game. But he’s been terrific for us, absolutely brilliant! But the other thing for him is he’s not had a breather." He added.
“He’s only just 19 years of age so he’s played during the international break away with England and he maybe just needs a little bit of time, so that’s what it was and Rosey (Michael Rose) came in and did really well, so fantastic. Great for him, and a learning experience for Callum, and we have done well with some really good performances within it.”
City youngster Doyle will be hoping to return to the form which has seen him make nine appearances so far as he gains valuable experience on loan in the competitiveness of Enlgand's second tier.