Harry Redknapp drops "outstanding" Ellis Simms claim after Coventry City win v Wolves | OneFootball

Harry Redknapp has hailed Ellis Simms for both his attacking and defensive contributions for Coventry City against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

The Sky Blues took on Gary O'Neil's side for a place in the FA Cup semi-final - and were the clear underdogs going into this game considering the strength of the two teams and the fact they were away from home.

However, it was the visitors who had a golden chance to go ahead in the 35th minute, with Simms missing a sitter from yards out.

He set up an opportunity for Milan van Ewijk just minutes later though and opened the scoring shortly after the interval, managing to bundle the ball home after Liam Kitching's header was guided in his path.

Late goals from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno looked to have won it for Wolves, but Simms scored an equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time, benefitting from a flick on.

The Sky Blues grabbed a winner even deeper into stoppage time, with Haji Wright calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Simms provided the assist for that winner, summing up a brilliant afternoon for the former Everton man.

Redknapp on Simms' performance v Wolves: "Outstanding at Molineux"

His goalscoring contributions, with two goals and one assist in that FA Cup last tie taking the Sky Blues to Wembley, will be what people remember.

But former manager Redknapp has also taken time to praise the Coventry forward for his defensive work.

He said via BetVictor: "Ellis Simms was outstanding at Molineux; he gave that Wolves defence so many issues. What an amazing, proper FA Cup tie that was!

"He led the line so well for Coventry, but made quite a few defensive headers from set pieces as well.

"I know his two goals weren’t the most glamorous, but he was in the right place at the right time, like all good finishers.

"He’s my star man this week, how could it not be a Coventry player? I’ll try and forget that sitter he missed in the first half though!"

Mark Robins will be hoping Ellis Simms can take confidence from his exceptional Wolves performance

It's fair to say that Simms' campaign has been mixed.

Although he has endured some very good moments and is in great form, the forward has been the subject of criticism at other times.

That isn't surprising, not just because of some of his performances, but also because the Sky Blues paid a decent amount to bring him to the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Expectations of him have been high because of his price tag and he hasn't always delivered, but he's only 23.

This means he should be given more opportunities to prove his worth and with the chances he is currently being given, he's taking them with both hands.

He should only get better with more experience under his belt too - and it will be exciting to see how he develops in the next couple of years.