MARK Venus believes the return of Michael Mifsud will galvanise Coventry in tonight's Hawthorns clash (ko 7.45pm).

The Sky Blues' 11-goal top scorer is available for selection again after completing a three-match ban for his red card in the Baggies' 4-0 win at the Ricoh Arena three weeks go.

In his absence, City have picked up just one point from a possible nine and scored only once - slipping from eighth to 14^th.

But Venus is expecting Iain Dowie's men, spearheaded by the returning Malta hotshot, to be fired up for the West Midlands derby.

"Coventry City is a hard game," said the assistant boss.

"We went there three weeks ago and, in the first-half, it was a game that could have gone either way.

"They've obviously not done so well since because their top scorer has been suspended.

"But this is going to be a very difficult game.

"They're going to want to come and prove a point after that result.

"Like every game in this league, it's going to be hard against an organised, committed, strong team."

Coventry have not lost in the eight games Mifsud has scored in this term - winning all-but one of them.

"Michael's scored a lot of goals this season," Venus added.

"His goal record undoubtedly stands up to scrutiny as far as minutes on the pitch go.

"It's folly to think he isn't a big threat.

"They have struggled without him, which suggests he is a major player.

"He gives the other members of their team a lot of confidence that they can score and attack with a purpose."

Marcus Hall (Achilles) is out for the Sky Blues through injury, as is striker Kevin Kyle (ankle).

But David McNamee is expected to recover from a troublesome hamstring in time and Leon Best could return from a groin problem.

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