COVENTRY City boss Steven Pressley has moved to defend Cherries striker Josh McQuoid’s goalscoring record.

McQuoid yesterday joined the League One outfit on loan until January, as revealed exclusively by the Daily Echo on Sunday.

The 24-year-old has linked up with Cherries team-mates Ryan Allsop and Mohamed Coulibaly who signed loan agreements with the Sky Blues as part of the deal which saw Callum Wilson move in the opposite direction.

McQuoid, who could make his Coventry debut at Bradford on Saturday, has netted seven goals in 35 starts and 21 sub appearances – for Cherries and Peterborough – since returning to Dean Court for a second spell in May 2012.

And while some Sky Blues followers have questioned his goal return, Pressley told the Coventry Telegraph: “In part, that is down to the position he has been playing and, in any case, people need to understand that clubs in our situation generally don’t sign strikers that are prolific because they will be playing up the leagues.

“Prior to last season, Callum (Wilson) didn’t have a great goal record behind him but Josh is a very good player who will suit the way we want to play. I am sure he will have a positive impact at the club and I am very excited about his arrival.”

Pressley added: “We have brought him in as a striker. That is his preference and that was one of the questions he had when we spoke to him because, when he went to Peterborough on loan last season, he was mostly used as a midfielder.

“He is a really good footballer and because of that people see him as a versatile player. I will spend the week deciding on the best blend in the midfield-striking area but we want to utilise Josh up front.”

McQuoid, capped five times by Northern Ireland, was restricted to just one appearance for Cherries last season, having scored three goals and played 39 times in their League One promotion campaign. He netted once during 14 league games for Posh and was also on target at Wembley as they lifted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last season.

He will compete with Marcus Tudgay and Shaun Miller for a place up front for Coventry and has been handed the number nine shirt.

McQuoid told the Coventry Telegraph: “I am hoping to start the first game against Bradford but, whether I am starting or I come off the bench, I just can’t wait to get going for the club.

“The manager has been in contact with me and has been eager to get me here and I have decided to come as it is a big club and the training facilities are first class.

“The standard is very high and you can tell the team likes to play football. I am looking forward to linking up with Marcus and Shaun – they are both very good players and experienced at this level.

“It is good to have competition in all positions as it will push me to become better. You have to work harder when you have competition as you want that starting spot.

“I am here to help the team and do what I can. If you work together and work for each other then success is easier to achieve – hopefully my experience can help the club achieve success.”