Tony Mowbray seeking defensive cover after losing Reda Johnson

Coventry City manager Tony Mowbray has hinted that he is on the lookout for a new defender after seeing Reda Johnson ruled out for the season.

The centre-back sustained a hamstring tendon injury against Blackpool last weekend and his worst fears have since been confirmed.

Mowbray is now hoping to strengthen his options at the back, although he still retains full faith in Sam Ricketts and Aaron Martin who helped record a fourth clean sheet in succession last time out.

Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "Recruitment is hugely important in any football club. Lots of names will get thrown at you at times like these but it's about finding the right ones.

"In the short term, in-house, the defence are keeping clean sheets with Sam Ricketts and Aaron Martin at the back. We've also got Jordan Willis coming back into it as well.

"If the right player is out there and it is something we can do, then we will to make sure the strength of the side, in terms of numbers, is maintained and we have the right amount of options."

Only Walsall can boast a better defensive record than Coventry in League One so far this season.