Ex-Brighton captain and Coventry loanee Adam Virgo has called on the Seagulls to retain Carl Rushworth rather than sell him, though he feels another temporary spell with the newly-promoted Sky Blues would benefit everyone involved.
The 43-year-old ex-defender, now working as a match commentator for TNT Sports, thinks a further stint at Frank Lampard’s outfit could prove positive. According to Sky Sports, Coventry had a second offer for Rushworth rejected, though negotiations continue between the clubs regarding the 24-year-old who excelled at the CBS Arena last term.
Virgo, who made 15 appearances and netted once for Coventry during an injury-plagued season-long loan from Celtic in 2006, commented on Rushworth’s situation. He noted that the goalkeeper delivered an excellent campaign and understood Coventry’s keen interest in securing his services.
Virgo stated that a loan arrangement would suit the situation well. He expressed that Brighton should not part ways with the player permanently but suggested a season-long Premier League loan to Coventry would work excellently for both clubs. Brighton would gain valuable top-flight experience for Rushworth while retaining ownership of the asset.
Speaking to The Argus newspaper, Virgo explained that attack-minded Coventry appreciated Rushworth’s contributions throughout the previous season. He noted that the team consistently provided defensive security, and Rushworth made crucial interventions during tight 0-0 encounters or when the side held narrow 1-0 advantages that could have been cancelled out.
He recalled a fixture against Watford where Coventry were completely dominated before finding themselves three goals behind. Despite Watford creating several clear opportunities before Coventry eventually scored, Rushworth produced a string of impressive stops.
Virgo emphasised Rushworth’s significance through his unwavering reliability and his sweeping goalkeeping style. He had predicted Coventry would win the league the previous campaign, believing Lampard’s achievements had established stability, a clear identity and a playing philosophy embraced by the squad. He anticipated they would provide entertaining football moving forward.