Coventry City veteran defender David Burrows has admitted that Saturday's defeat at West Ham United was a poor reflection on everybody who played.

The Sky Blues were hammered by five goals to nil and former Hammer Burrows won a surprise berth in the centre of defence as Gordon Strachan opted for a wing-back formation.

The 31-year-old was pleased to be selected but felt that the team let themselves and the supporters down.

He said:

"Saturday's defeat was nothing to do with formations.

"We played with wing-backs to counter West Ham because that is what they do, and we trained in that way all week.

"I have played in defence in that system before, I know Gary Breen has and I am sure Colin Hendry has.

"It is do with players going out and giving it everything they have got and really competing, and unfortunately on Saturday that didn't happen.

"I am not trying to say that people didn't try - you cannot say that at this club because we have got a good honest bunch of players.

"I just think it was one of those days, it was a whole host of things and I think we could go on for hours trying to find the answers."

However, the City star was taking nothing away from a West Ham United side that he feels are extremely talented.

He said:

"I thought we made it very easy for them but having said that they have got a good group of individuals.

"You can't let them have room and space like we did on Saturday because we the players they have got they will score goals.

"We did talk about Di Canio before the game but obviously he was left and he did wreak devastation, he had a hand in everything they did."

The only bright spark in an otherwise dismal afternoon at Upton Park was the first team debut of teenager Robert Betts.

The 18-year-old, who is grandson of Eire legend Maurice Setters, was introduced for the final 10 minutes of the match and won praise from City boss Gordon Strachan.

He said:

"I felt sorry for Robert Betts because you should not have to come on in a game like that for your debut.

"I asked him if he wanted to go on and he said yes so I just thought ok, on you go.

"He has got mental strength and he will be fine."