Andy Rose will begin with the U21s at Coventry City

Coventry City FC's manager Tony Mowbray is impressed with Andy Rose's game, but he says the newly-married midfielder has to win a starting spot by learning the way he needs to play in his new squad. Rose will start that process with the Coventry City U21s.

Rose's constant high workrate ("running everywhere like a marathon runner") is a great attribute to have, Mowbray told the Coventry Telegraph, but it doesn't match the way the coach plays his central midfielders. He wants CMs to stay central, connect passes and distribute the ball for a wide attack:

"I said to him at the time that if that's how he is and he's not going to change then he's no good for me. But if we can harness those qualities, the athleticism, size and those legs and ability to pass it then he's got every chance. And he was happy to come and have a go at that, so let's see how the next few months go."

Mowbray says he wants to see Rose fight and be "desperate to play" for the Sky Blues. None of this is surprising to hear from a manager about a signing unfamiliar with his new team. But Seattle Sounders fans will know that Rose has at times played a similar role to what Mowbray describes. Versatility and a good tactical understanding were hallmarks of Rose's time in Seattle as he moved in and out of the starting lineup, so he should have a good chance of fitting in at his new English club soon.

The Coventry City U21s are the reserve squad that play in the English developmental league system, comparable to Seattle Sounders 2. It's not unusual for new signings to get a longer look there before moving into the first team. DeAndre Yedlin, for instance, played several matches for Tottenham's U21 side when he made his move to England.

If Rose is successful, he has a shot of helping his team make the jump up from League One and play in the Championship next season. Coventry currently sit in fourth place, just three points out of automatic promotion, and the club has made some other winter signings to make a push for the top.

Rose's contract at Coventry is just beginning and runs for 18 months.