First Coventry goal felt 'amazing' - Esse

Coventry City forward Romain Esse said scoring his first goal for the club in Tuesday's win over former club Millwall "felt amazing".

Esse, who is on loan with the Championship leaders from Premier League side Crystal Palace, put Frank Lampard's side ahead after 11 minutes against the Lions at the CBS Arena.

Although the visitors equalised before half-time, Haji Wright's 10th league goal of the season kept Coventry eight points clear of Ipswich at the top and nine ahead of Middlesbrough in third.

"It felt amazing. It's a moment that was very special. I'm happy to get my first goal for the Sky Blues," Esse told BBC CWR.

"It's been a difficult period for me not playing a lot but I've been given the chance by the gaffer here and I've got my first goal and I just want to kick on, keep working hard and keep delivering."

Esse began his career with Millwall, joining the academy in 2014 before making his senior debut in 2022, and spent two years with the London club before moving to Selhurst Park in January 2025.

He said scoring against the Lions felt "strange" given his formative years at The Den.

"I respect Millwall a lot for what they've done for me," he added. "They helped me grow from a boy to a man."

After a slight end-of-year wobble that saw Coventry go winless in three league games and go out of the FA Cup, Lampard's men have got back on track in style with back-to-back home wins against Leicester and Millwall.

"We've got a strong bunch of lads," he said.

"Whenever we need to get through something we always manage it and that's from the manager and staff setting certain principles we all abide by.

"And that shows on the pitch."