Houllier ducks the Kirkland question

The embarrassment of riches in that position could yet be Strachan's salvation. Rumours persist that Hedman is on his way to Arsenal in the summer. That payday, and the money Kirkland's sale could raise, may leave the Scot with the financial freedom to rebuild a side more capable of sustaining top-flight football.

Certainly, it will leave him with a more pleasant feeling than the damage meted out by old friend McAllister.

City should have known all about the Scot's near-post corner routines, having benefited from them so often in the past, but Sami Hyypia did enough to score a vital first for the Merseysiders seven minutes from time. The second, a curling 25- yard free-kick, was vintage McAllister.

'I was pleased to see that Gary was concerned at what was happening to Coventry,' said Houllier, although the Scot's sombre look following his goal was slightly compromised by the grin caught by Match of the Day cameras soon afterwards.

'He spent four years here and he knew that his goal may have the effect of finishing their stay in the Premiership. There is a human side to it and Gary was not exactly joyful at the end.

'Gary gives us experience and belief. Obviously, I wouldn't have signed him if I hadn't thought he could do us some good. When the game is in front of you, he is the kind of player who can get hold of the ball. We need his kind of qualities.

'He's a fit lad and if he played like that through a season then yes, he could be Footballer of the Year.'

Strachan was happy to see the television monitor in the Press room showing the 'happy, fat face' of buddy Mark McGhee celebrating Millwall's promotion to the First Division. Perhaps it was only later that the realisation sank in that the New Den is one of the destinations Coventry are now likely to be heading towards next season.

Only two wins from their remaining games with Aston Villa and Bradford will now suffice. And it will take freak results on top of that to maintain that heroic 34-year top-flight stay.

'We have to remain focused on what we do,' said Strachan. 'This was a better performance than last week against Ipswich but ultimately the game was decided by set-plays.

'If we don't win at Villa next week, that's it. We cannot control anything else.'

Coventry skipper Paul Williams admitted the task to remain in the Premier-ship is now out of the club's hands but insisted that this might be the springboard they need to return as a stronger force.

He said: 'We didn't care who we caught on 38 points as long as it was someone - but that's out of our hands now. We've been battling for our lives all season but we will have to do it next week against Villa and hope for the best.

'But if the worst happens, I think Coventry should look very closely at what Ipswich have achieved since they came into the Premiership.

'George Burley has built a very solid side, probably surprising everyone else in the top-flight.

'They have few players who could be described as mega- stars but they do have a team with a great work ethic and players who have adapted.

'If we want to progress then we should look at what others who have adapted to the Premiership have done, follow their lead and be a stronger club for it.'

For Coventry, you suspect, the game is nearly up. For youngsters like Kirkland and Houllier's improving team, it appears that it is just beginning.