Callum O’Hare impressed in Coventry City’s Carabao Cup defeat to Watford after arriving on loan from Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
Whisper it but Callum O’Hare could be the most talented midfielder to wear the sky blue shirt since a certain James Maddison was strutting his stuff in West Midlands.
There has been a real buzz of excitement around the Solihull-born 21-year-old for a while now and, after shining for Aston Villa at youth level, the gifted playmaker is seizing his chance to impress alongside grizzled, seasoned pros.
O’Hare shone on loan at Carlisle United last season and he has wasted no time making an impact at League One Coventry.
Manager Mark Robins heaped praise on O’Hare after Tuesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Watford with the local press lauding a velvet-toed number ten for adding a sprinkling of ‘stardust’ in the final third.
But, like Villa’s floppy fringed number ten Jack Grealish, a player much admired for his daring approach and wonderful close control should get used to some rather rough treatment. It’s all part of the job.
“He got hacked a few times” Robins told the club’s official website after O’Hare’s eye-catching display against Premier League opposition.
“He’s done pretty well; we’ve got a good player on our hands. He hasn’t played too much this season. He’ll sleep well tonight!”
With Dean Smith at the helm, O’Hare should be confident that a few more displays like this in Coventry colours will stand him in good stead for a place at Aston Villa. As Chris Mepham, Andre Gray, Neal Maupay and Said Benrahma will no doubt attest to, Smith is one of the best managers around when it comes to helping young players fulfil their potential.
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