City boss Glenn Roeder hailed the impact that second-half substitute Wes Hoolahan had despite his side crashing to defeat. City lost defender Ryan Bertrand at half-time with an injury to the top of his left leg, while Antoine Sibierski, who had missed two games after an injection in his knee, was also withdrawn at the interval.

City boss Glenn Roeder hailed the impact that second-half substitute Wes Hoolahan had despite his side crashing to defeat.

City lost defender Ryan Bertrand at half-time with an injury to the top of his left leg, while Antoine Sibierski, who had missed two games after an injection in his knee, was also withdrawn at the interval.

Said Roeder: “I thought we would withdraw Sibby and put on Wes Hoolahan to get around Ben Watson, who had his moments in the first half when he was calling all the shots with some very, very good passing. In the second half, I didn't think Ben had much of a kick really because he was chasing Wes.

“It was a very good half for Wes and he also proved that playing one out-and-out striker through the middle is not a negative way of playing.”