Rochdale 0-0 Coventry City

Joe Cole was making his first start since Aston Villa lost 1-0 at Leicester in the Premier League on 10 January

Joe Cole failed to inspire Coventry City on his debut in their goalless League One draw at Rochdale.

The 33-year-old England international, on loan from Aston Villa, played just under an hour of the game, but could not provide the spark for a goal.

Cole shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area after a weaving run towards goal shortly before half time.

Joe Bunney and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had chances for Dale, while Ryan Kent and Adam Armstrong went close for City.

Coventry's second successive goalless draw means that they have still not conceded in the four League One matches since keeper Reice Charles-Cook came in for Lee Burge.

But City, who move up a place to fourth in the table, have only scored once in three league games - and that was the last-minute own goal winner at Fleetwood a week ago.

Sky Blues boss Tony Mowbray told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire:

"I'm delighted for Reice to keep a fifth clean sheet. The defence did really well. I challenged them to keep a clean sheet without Reda Johnson.

"It was disappointing and frustrating. We had about four one-on-ones throughout the game but couldn't finish it off.

"Joe Cole did really well, better than I thought as he hasn't played a lot of football over the last year. With more match practice, he'll only get better.

"He really pressed them when they were on the ball. If anything, he probably ran around too much. He was eager to get after it and create. He's been fantastic in the dressing room and had a great impact."