Despite the stark revelation Coppell is backing the youngster, who will be formally unveiled as a Reading player later this week, to aid the Royals in a push towards the top six.
"I haven't seen him in the flesh but I have seen a number of videos and I like what I see," admitted the Royals boss, speaking to the official site.
"We will do our utmost to make him feel welcome and wanted and hopefully that will help bring the best out of him performance-wise."
Coppell revealed that it was not easy to find a left-sided midfielder that Reading could afford, so he was forced to look overseas.
Many had tipped the acceptable Paul Brooker to take up the left-hand role next season, but the prospect hardly filled Royals supporters with optimism as the club hurtle towards the new campaign that is now just twelve days away.
The capture of top USA international Bobby Convey has inspired Reading's 'the glass is half empty' supporters who are now happy\ily tipping the Royals to achieve a top six finish.
But had it not been for the good work of club servants, and in particular the efforts of the much-criticised Director of Football Nicky Hammond, the Convey deal may never have come off.
"Bobby's a player I have known for year and we have chased him for two months," said Coppell.
"At various stages we thought the deal was dead and may have come in the form of a loan but eventually through the perserverance of Nick Hammond and everyone at the Club we managed to sign him."
Although he has not seen Convey, Reading's own galactico, in the flesh, the Royals boss says everything has been done to ensure that the gamble pays off.
"You ask the opinion of people you know and respect and the signing came from there.
"So much these days is done watching videos and every transfer is a gamble. We've tried to eliminate the odds in our favour and we feel we've done enough in that respect."
Convey should make his Reading debut when the Royals take on Manchester City at the Madejski Stadium next Monday in their final pre season friendly.
Editor Rob Cooper reports from Crete