A spectacular goal scored from an overhead kick by Robbie Keane has left Coventry City looking at “plan F” in their battle to avoid relegation this season.

Beleaguered Gordon Strachan saw his side lose a disjointed encounter to a flash of brilliance from the former Sky Blues star.

Leeds dominated the game, with Lee Bowyer using the chance to stretch his legs while out of the dock.

Even Rio Ferdinand was able to venture forward and shoot as Coventry defended very deeply.

Chances rained in, and Hedman was forced to make several fine saves, including a rasping free kick from Ian Harte.

Coventry were not without the occasional opportunity, but as soon as they approached the opposition penalty box they seemed to lose all confidence.

The day was summed up when a header from Paul Williams, clear through on the Leeds goal, actually went backwards. Bellamy and Hadji looked frisky, but lacked any real incision.

Keane’s winner, scored in the 69th minute, was a flash of brilliance. Standing in the six yard box, it looked as if the ball had passed him when he reached out and kicked it over his head and into the goal.

Gordon Strachan was left admiring the Irish international’s talent, but admitted that his arrival at Elland Road showed the gulf between the two clubs.

He said:

"A club like Coventry have to sell him while a club like Leeds can go on and buy him. That's life.

"Perhaps if it had been the other way around it might have been a different result.

"We don't score that many goals and had to be tight. I thought it would finish 0-0."

Asked if he now had to consider using Plan B to keep Coventry in the Premier League, he said:

“Plan B’s long gone. We’re on Plan F now.”