Coventry striker Gary McSheffrey underlined his growing reputation as he denied Sunderland manager Niall Quinn a winning start as the Sky Blues secured a 2-1 win.

McSheffrey rattled in 17 goals last season and has been the subject of transfer speculation all summer with Coca-Cola Championship rivals Birmingham having made a fourth bid for the 23-year-old.

He grabbed the winner with 12 minutes left. Coventry caught Sunderland napping in defence and McSheffrey took advantage to rifle the ball into the net with the help of a deflection.