I was the player that was clattered, says City's Adebola

Bristol City striker Dele Adebola stressed that he was the player that was clattered in the incident that led to his opening goal in the 3-0 win at Coventry.

The 33-year-old target man rose to challenge a Michael McIndoe cross with Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood.

And the 6ft 3in forward, referred to by Coventry boss Chris Coleman as "probably the strongest man in the league", won the ball and reacted first to score while Westwood remained down, concussed and with a dislocated thumb.

Coleman described referee Phil Dowd's performance as "abysmal" after he allowed the goal to stand and then later shrugged off a penalty appeal by the Sky Blues at the other end.

But Adebola felt he was well within his rights to challenge for the ball and insisted there was no foul play.

He said: "I had my eyes on the ball, I've gone for the header and he's come and clattered me.

"It dropped kindly for me and I put the ball in the back of the net. As I've run off I've seen him on the ground, I didn't realise he was so seriously injured.

"I committed myself and unfortunately the collision ended with the keeper coming off worse. There was no malice in it. Hopefully he's ok."

Coleman was sent to the stands for his outburst and described the match as "Disappointing. Traumatic. Frustrating."

He admitted his reaction was over the top but said Dowd had "an absolute nightmare".

City boss Gary Johnson backed Adebola and said: "Maybe the home crowd won't agree with me, but if you analyse the major incidents I think (Dowd) has got most of them right."

Adebola was a hit with the Sky Blues' fans during his four and a half years at the club and was warmly received before and after the first half incident.

But despite his reunion with the Ricoh Arena he revealed he feels at home in Bristol and is thriving on the belief Johnson has in him since he joined from Coventry in January.

He said: "I feel wanted (at City). I've had to, year upon year, fight my way into contention and it takes its toll.

"I've come to Bristol and the manager has taken to me straight away. I haven't missed many games and it's nice to be appreciated for what you're doing.

"Obviously I was appreciated at Coventry but maybe not by the right people."

Egyptian striker Emad Meteb has been linked with a move to Everton. Meteb scuppered his £1.5 million move to City by playing for his old club Al-Ahly against Gary Johnson's express wishes but is now rumoured to be on David Moyes' radar for £1.8 million.