Hammer ready to face Brazil

Rapidly emerging young Hammer Conor Coventry is hoping his  form at the 2019 Maurice Ravello Toulon has caught Manuel Pellegrini’s eye.

He played a major part in the Republic of Ireland U21s’ run to the semi-finals, where they face Brazil in the semi-finals in the French town of Aubagne today (Wed).

Central midfielder Coventry was involved in the group-stage win over China and draw with Mexico, before being introduced as a half-time substitute to help the team clinch their last-four place with a victory over Bahrain.

Speaking to www.whufc.com he said: “Personally, I’ve really enjoyed the tournament. I think my performances have been really good. I’ve been really pleased with how I played, so hopefully I can bring this form into pre-season and really kick on from there and get in and around the first team more.”

“We’ve got Brazil in the semis. They won their group, beating Guatemala 4-0 and Qatar 5-0 and then beat France 4-0 as well, so they’re looking good at the moment.

“They’ve got a lot of momentum but we’re hoping we can cause a bit of an upset. They’re a really good side but we think we’re more than good enough to beat them and hopefully we can get to the final.”

The semi-final, which kicks off at 4.30pm UK time, will be broadcast live in the UK by Free Sports on Freeview channel 64, Sky Sports channel 422, Virgin Media channel 553, Freesat channel 252, BT TV channel 64, TalkTalk TV channel 64.

Should Ireland defeat Brazil, the final will see Coventry and co take on Japan or Mexico in Salon-de-Provence on Saturday 15 June.

ClaretandHugh says: Conor has been one of those the management have been keeping a close eye on for a long time and is unquestionably on the brink of a first team squad breakthrough. Despite their relegation last season, his under Under 23s performances regularly drew glowing reports from former academy chief Terry Westley who believes he, Nathan Holland, Ben Johnson and  Xande Silva are very much in line to make their presence felt this season. At a time of the season when all the focus is on the first team and summer window it’s a good idea to step back a bit and remember what’s happening at the grass roots level of the club and the academy – despite that relegation for the under 23s – demonstrates that right now we are a very healthy club and it will be no surprise to see those mentioned here involved in pre-season including The Asia Cup in Hong Kong. 

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon