Michael Appleton was disappointed not to go home with any points as the Imps suffered a 4-3 defeat to Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium this afternoon.
The Imps boss explained how despite the defeat, he was pleased with the attitude his young players showed.
“It was a game we lost but we should never have been in doubt,” said Michael.
“At the moment I am quite relaxed showing my trust in the young players because they’re the ones showing maturing.”
“Anthony was excellent, it was outstanding from him and that’s what I mean about the young players because they are looking composed and aggressive. They want to get on the ball and do the psychical side of the game.
"Anthony has played in three different positions today and he did well in every one of them.”
Appleton continued to pile on the praise for his new Irish forward saying: “He is the type of player who can play all over, I think his favourite position is as a nine and we saw that towards the end of the game. He is more than capable to play all over those attacking positions.”
Michael added by giving a comment about goal scorer Aaron Lewis who found the back of the net for the first time as a City player: “Aaron did well when he came on, he was playing one up from what he is used to. He did really well there.”
The Imps boss finished by discussing his side going forward explaining how next Saturday’s game against Gillingham will be tough.
“We now have five defeats in six which will never help any team,” said Appleton.
“It isn’t an excuse because we had opportunities to win the game today, we have done it on three occasions today but still lost the game.
“Over the last couple of games, I have learnt a lot about my players. We have got a tough week ahead now because if we don’t show physicality and roll up our sleeves for a scrap, we will get rolled over. It is a big week in the dressing room because we need to earn the right to play.
“Tom (Hopper) looked good today, I just feel sorry for people like him who played well because they don’t deserve to be on the losing side.”