Boss challenges hard working Finn to make the most of his opportunity.

Steve Davis has challenged Lauri Dalla Valle to grab his forthcoming chance with both hands. The Finnish striker has lost his place in the starting line-up in recent weeks with Ryan Colclough returning to fitness and form. Dalla Valle had started the campaign in one of the wide attacking slots in the club’s new 4-3-3 formation but he is yet to get off the mark.

With regular centre-forward Marcus Haber way on International duty with Canada this weekend, it is likely that the former Liverpool and Inter Milan forward will be presented with an opportunity through the middle.

Dalla Valle will feature for the club’s Under-21 side this afternoon at Coventry after replacing Haber in the 1-0 defeat at Wigan at the weekend.

Steve Davis explained: “Lauri will benefit more from playing through the middle and I haven’t ruled out changing the system with Marcus away on International duty. We could still go with 4-3-3 or switch to 4-4-2 and having the wingers coming from a little deeper or even go with one off the front. It is something for us to consider.

“Lauri doesn’t have the height of Marcus but he doesn’t mind the physical side of it either. That doesn’t faze him. He will throw himself into the job and he is strong and brave for a smaller type of striker.

“Lauri will always keep going for you and will chase the channels. He always gives 100% and works hard for the team. He stretches defences and on his day can be a real handful.

The boss added: “He is a hardworking lad and the goals just haven’t happened for him yet this season, but he will be better suited to the middle than out wide.”