Forgotten Frank Lampard figure at Coventry City may find Haji Wright exploits hard to watch | OneFootball

Haji Wright’s immediate return to the goalscoring trail isn’t a good sign for Norman Bassette’s game time.

Coventry City have been on a remarkable rise up the Championship table under Frank Lampard.

Despite not originally getting a new manager bounce, the Sky Blues finally rallied under the former Chelsea midfielder, going on to win 10 out of their last 12 Championship games from midway through January.

Such an impressive and consistent run of results has left the West Midlands outfit in a strong position for a play-off place come the end of the season, with Lampard’s team now two points clear of the chasing Bristol City in seventh place.

It’s been quite an impact from Lampard since linking up at the CBS Arena to replace the outgoing Mark Robins, with the club securing such important victories over the likes of Bristol City, Blackburn Rovers, Watford and most recently, Sunderland.

It was a statement of intent to the rest of the division after Coventry dismantled the Black Cats, with the side showing they can compete with the very best in the division and have a high chance of gaining promotion out of the play-offs should they squeak in.

Haji Wright made a return and instantly showcased his goalscoring exploits, and this certainly won’t be good news for the other Coventry attackers who were originally hoping to make an impact on the promotion charge.

Haji Wright's explosive Coventry City impact v Sunderland AFC

Coventry have definitely missed the presence of a natural number nine despite being on such positive form, with Haji Wright missing 19 games after damaging ligaments in his right ankle.

The American international made two appearances from the bench against Oxford United and Stoke City before making a first start and completing 90 minutes in the defeat to Derby County.

Despite not adding a contribution, Frank Lampard persisted with Wright in the number nine role and he was fully rewarded, with the frontman stealing the show with a hat-trick to guide the Sky Blues to a resounding 3-0 victory over Sunderland.

Despite featuring only 19 times in the league this campaign, Wright astonishingly has 10 goals, highlighting why he is one of the best strikers in the second tier and definitely will not be short of interest from the top European leagues if Coventry fail to achieve promotion.

Wright adds much-needed firepower, versatility and pedigree in this division to create special moments in the final third, and Coventry look an even more dangerous side with his presence leading the line.

If Wright continues to produce such consistent returns in front of form, then he is undoubtedly going to be one of the first names on the teamsheet heading into such a crucial final run-in.

Haji Wright's form is a cause for concern for players like Norman Bassette at Coventry City

Haji Wright’s sensational return to form in front of goal will be frustrating to see for the other Coventry attackers, as they know their opportunities will be limited with the American now seemingly back to being first choice.

The likes of Norman Bassette will have to push even harder to stake a claim for regular first team football. Despite originally starting under Lampard, the Belgian has slipped down the pecking order and has had to settle for places on the bench behind the likes of Ellis Simms and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Now Wright has been added into the mix, it’s really difficult to see Bassette having a long-term future at the CBS Arena, particularly given the forward hasn’t started a league game since the beginning of January against Norwich City.

With his confidence likely to be shattered by such a heavy fall out the team, it could be time for Coventry to trim down the forward line, and someone like Bassette could be a priority sell, regardless of which division the Sky Blues find themselves in next term.

Alternatively, a loan departure could be an option for a player who evidently still has a big future in the game - as evidenced by the fact he was called up to the Belgian national side earlier this season. But in terms of the here and now, it's hard to see Bassette ousting Wright anytime soon.