Coventry City manager Gordon Strachan had good and bad news for his players after they surrendered a goal lead at Sunderland’s Stadium Of Light.

The Sky Blues picked up a useful point but Strachan felt his side had tried to protect the advantage Robbie Keane provided with his third goal in as many games.

Sunderland came strongly after the break and City were eventually broken down by England striker Kevin Phillips.

Strachan said:

"We looked as if we were trying to protect our lead and there is no way you can do that and hope to win a game like that.

"Once they brought it back to 1-1 we decided to go for it and started to play some good football again but by that time Sunderland had got the game by the scruff of the neck.

"There was no real atmosphere in the first half because we did our job right. If we continue to play that way then the league will hold no fears for us."

Strachan has called on Youssef Chippo to clean up his act after the Moroccan was sent off for two bookable offences in the dying minutes. He has now collected five yellows and a red card.

The signing from Porto has now promised to change his playing style to suit Premiership refereeing.

Chippo said:

"It is different over here and I must adapt so I don’t get booked as much. I have apologised to the team for being sent off. I hope I can make up for it in the next game I play."