Coventry City manager Gordon Strachan was left fuming and Gary McAllister nursing a sore leg after the Sky Blues first pre-season friendly.

City swept German FV Speyer aside 5-2 with goals from John Aloisi (2), Trond Soltvedt (2) and George Boateng but it was the skipper who gave them most cause for concern.

McAllister had only been on the field for two minutes after being introduced as a second half sub when he was felled by a challenge in midfield.

An angry Strachan:

"It was an horrific tackle and we are far from happy about it. Gary actually rode it quite well but his knee and ankle are sore and will need some nursing.

"I am not sure if the lad involved had a chip on his shoulder and wanted to prove something but it was a rough tackle.

"But that was the only negative from the day and I was very pleased with the way the lads worked. It has been very hot here but we worked the players for two hours solid in the morning and then came close to fielding a different side each half. Only Paul Telfer played both periods."

The fact that Boateng is on the tour indicates that he is not on the verge of quitting the club. Stories that a mystery club – possibly Newcastle – had joined the bidding with an offer of £4.5 million is very good news for chairman Bryan Richardson who has all but resigned himself to the fact he will be losing the Dutchman before the campaign.