Lampard urges Coventry to build on Sunderland win before Everton test

Frank Lampard has called on Coventry City to continue their recent progress as they seek to create more distance from danger in the Premier League.

The Sky Blues travel to Everton on Friday night having halted a two-match losing run with a 3-1 victory over bottom club Sunderland. That result moved Coventry up to 16th in the table and gave them renewed confidence before another demanding fixture.

Coventry made a difficult return to the top flight, losing each of their first four league matches. Their early schedule included games against Arsenal and Manchester City, while they were also beaten 5-0 at home by Brighton.

Lampard’s team have since produced a more positive response, winning three of their past five Premier League games. That run has given Coventry some breathing space in their bid to avoid relegation, although their manager says there is still significant work to do.

“We clearly had a tough start to the season, I think, in terms of fixtures, specific ones, but also not winning games,” Lampard said.

“And all of a sudden, now we have won three of our last five, so in that way, we are relatively happy, but we want more.

“We have to keep working because there is a long, long way to go in the season, but off the back of last week, it was a nice positive week for us.”

Lampard believes Coventry must continue improving their standards if they are to stay competitive over the course of a challenging campaign.

The club will make late decisions on defender Bobby Thomas and midfielder Frank Onyeka before the trip to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Thomas has a calf problem, while Onyeka is dealing with a groin injury. Both players missed the win against Sunderland and will face late fitness tests to determine whether they can feature on Friday.