Republic of Ireland defender Gary Breen has been given a clear message from Coventry boss Gordon Strachan that he must show how good he is if he is expecting to hold down a first-team place at the Premiership club.

Breen was an ever-present with Ireland last season but flitted in and out of the Coventry squad and as he rejoins for pre-season training at Highfield Road next week he has been told to stake his claim.

Strachan wants to know his central-defensive partnership for the coming season and five players are in contention. Those who don't impress the fiery Scotsman could well be shown the door.

Breen's competition is strong. Colin Hendry, Paul Williams, Mo Konjic and Richard Shaw will all be fighting to fill the two places. Strachan wants the players to pick themselves instead of having to rotate as he did for most of last season. Hendry and Williams will be the favourites for the two slots.

Strachan said: "I need to work on the defence in the pre-season and need two central players to really take the positions by the scruff of the neck and say 'we are the two'. I am looking for four players to stand out and give me a settled back line."