'I'm confident I will reach my objectives' - Michael Mifsud

Michael Mifsud has been limited to not more than 52 minutes of first-team football since his much-publicised move to Coventry City earlier this month but his stock in English football is already on the rise.

Last Monday, the little Maltese striker served notice of his talent and ambition to make an impact for his new club when hitting his first Coventry goal barely eight minutes after entering the fray as a substitute.

Coventry went down 3-2 away to Plymouth Argyle to remain 16th in the 24-team Division One league but Mifsud's goal provided the only bright note on an otherwise bleak evening for the struggling Sky Blues.

"I'm disappointed that the team lost again but from a personal perspective, I'm pleased to have scored my first goal in a Coventry shirt," Mifsud told The Times in a telephone interview yesterday.

"I just wanted to get the ball as often as possible after coming on against Plymouth because I was feeling very confident. Scoring in only my second appearance for my new team can only be good for my confidence.

"I hope to do the same or even better in our next game at home to Luton Town on Tuesday."

Having sealed his move to Coventry just over two weeks ago, Mifsud is still getting to grips with the English way of living and the physical rigours of Division One football.

"The first few months in a new country and at a new club are always difficult but I'm coping well, also thanks to the support of my girlfriend," Mifsud said.

"At present, we're living in a hotel but we're looking to move into a new house. It's a bit hectic but I'm not letting these issues distract my attention. I'm training hard and doing all I can to be of service to the team."

Mifsud's positive attitude also stems from the good reception he got from his new team-mates.

"I have already established a good relationship with my team-mates here," Mifsud commented.

"They made me welcome straightaway but I'm also doing my bit to integrate into the squad. I'm an outgoing person and I really don't find it hard to make new friends."

For a time last week, it looked as if Mifsud's bid to make the grade at Coventry had suffered an unexpected setback when news came out that the club had parted ways with former coach Micky Adams.

Adams's exit

At his presentation as a Coventry player, Mifsud confirmed that Adams's perseverance had been central to his decision to join the club.

"I was sorry to see Adams go because he was the one who brought me here," Mifsud said. "However, these things happen in football and now I'm just looking forward to do ing my best and showing my true potential.

"Caretaker manager Adrian Heath told us that his appointment represented a fresh start for the team.

"I am confident that if I continue to work hard in training, I will reach my objectives," Mifsud, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Coventry, concluded.

Meanwhile, Maltese football fans are poised to get an early opportunity to watch the new Coventry hitman playing on home soil.

Mifsud confirmed to The Times that he intends to join up with the Malta squad for the home friendly against Austria on February 7.