It is often said in footballing parlance that the time to judge a player's character is when he is on the sidelines.

There are the types who are happy to be substitute, there are the types who sulk and become bad apples in the dressing-room.

Or there is Don Hutchison, the Coventry City midfield player.

The gregarious Scotland international is the perfect example to any budding footballer on how to conduct yourself while sitting on the bench. The 34-year-old made an initial impact at the Ricoh Arena but the arrival of Dennis Wise and the renaissance of Stern John has limited his starts for Micky Adams' side during the last six weeks.

However, there has been no backbiting or complaining, as Hutchison has continued his wisecracks in the dressing- room.

His bombast and self-belief is well-balanced with a degree of humility and his influence off the pitch has been critical to reviving Coventry's campaign. However, that is not to decry his achievement on the pitch, as his undoubted quality on the ball is a real fillip for Adams. His cameo roles have been effective and a superlative strike against Leeds was easily the goal of the season thus far by a Coventry player.

With Wise suspended for tomorrow's reverse fixture against Leeds, Hutchison is likely to make his presence felt and he hopes to drop another bombshell on his friend, Leeds' custodian Neil Sullivan.

"That was easily the best goal I've ever scored," said Hutchison, referring to his Boxing Day strike in their 3-1 defeat. "Neil (Sullivan) is a good friend of mine and I went on holiday with him last year, so it was nice to score my best ever goal past him.

"I seem to do quite well against Leeds as I scored a cracker past him for Milwall on the first day of the season as well.

"If I am selected, he won't be too happy to be facing me again," quipped Hutchison with a sense of devilment.

The experienced Hutchison is a firm believer in making a positive impact even if you are limited to substitute appearances.

He and Wise are bubbling over with enthusiasm and have ensured that a positive vibe emanates from within the dressing-room irrespective of results.

He said: "It is always nice when a new face comes in, as there are different personalities. I always like to enjoy myself when I come into training and engage in banter with the lads.

"If you are not playing full games on a Saturday then at least you are contributing during the week. It is frustrating not to play but in a good way as the team are playing well.

"I can't say how the lads were before we arrived but we are both aggressive and have an eye for a goal on the pitch.

"There are a lot of young boys in our dressing-room and, whatever the result, you need to be bright on a Monday morning and looking ahead to the next game.

"I keep winding the gaffer up by saying I am going to finish my career as a sweeper. Whatever position is going I keep knocking on his door and telling him that I can play there!"

While Hutchison is the joker in the pack, he refuses to take any credit for Adams' new nickname.

He has been handed the alias Mike Bassett by his players after the character portrayed by Ricky Tomlinson in the film of the same name. "It was Richard Duffy who started calling him that, so I can't take credit for that nickname," Hutchison said with a laugh. "I wish I could though.

"I don't know why he started calling him that. I think it is because he likes to play 4-4-2 and enjoys good banter with the lads!"

Despite Hutchison's japes, there is a serious side to his persona that comes to the fore on the field. Father Time is creeping up on his shoulder slowly but he feels as though he has plenty more miles left on the clock.

He dropped his broadest hint yet that he would like to be at the Ricoh Arena next season after revealing that Adams' sensible training policy was aiding his longevity.

"I am not digging out any managers here as everyone has a different style," he said. "But you might go to Plymouth with Tony Pullis who likes to work you exceptionally hard and, at my age, I might not feel the benefit on a Saturday.

"The gaffer here rests the old boys on a Monday and gives us a hard day on a Tuesday. Saturday is the most important day of the week and he is clued up. I would be looking to stay here, as I am enjoying it so much. Everything is geared up to what I need at my sort of age."