Coventry City's boss has explained the decision to bring Bristol City's Liam Walsh to the Sky Blues.
Coventry signed the midfielder on deadline day on a season-long loan from Ashton Gate.
The Robins midfielder has joined up with Mark Robins and his squad as they continue their League One campaign.
However, just as was the case at Bristol City, he may have to bide his time.
The midlands clubs have already brought in Jamie Allen – expected to be a regular starter when he returns to fitness – to play alongside skipper Liam Kelly, who is one of the first names on the teamsheet, as well as having Jordan Shipley, Zain Westbrooke and exciting Aston Villa loan man Callum O’Hare to play in the centre of midfield.
But Robins said he feels Walsh's addition was a necessary one in an interview with Coventry Live.
“We needed something there in the middle of the park," he said.
"And moving forward to January when the pitches are heavy and you are relying on Shippers, Zain, Kels and Jamie Allen, who we have not seen yet, we just needed that little bit extra.
“You saw on Tuesday night that there is that need for another player who has got a bit more wool on his back at this stage, so that was the thinking. But also, he’s a quality, quality player so I am pleased with that.
Robins added: “He’s one that we have known about and looked at for a long time.
“It’s something we have always looked at doing and he has always been around it. I got a phone call on Monday to tell us that he was available and we acted upon it, which was brilliant.
“At the end of the day he is a top player – a really good player who I watched when he was a young player at Everton at just 17/18 and always liked him then.
“He’s a typical Scouser who wants to fight and play, technically very good and a good player.”
