Ireland, who has been with the Sky Blues since 2007, finally got his league debut when regular number one Kieren Westwood had to be replaced at half-time due to injury in Saturday's 4-1 loss to Bristol City.

The Sydney-born 20-year-old played the remaining 45 minutes of the clash, only conceding one goal and making some decent saves late on.

It is understood early in the second-half the Australian youth international suffered an injury but hobbled through the rest of the game.

But scans after the match revealed Ireland had suffered a torn thigh muscle.

The timing of the injury is cruel for Ireland who may have been presented with a first-team chance with Westwood undergoing scans this week after he suffered spasms in his leg.

Ireland, who made his Coventry debut in the Carling Cup in 2008, has been definitely ruled out of the Sky Blues' clash with Doncaster on Tuesday by manager Aidy Boothroyd.

The young goalkeeper has also spent time on loan at English lower league clubs Nuneaton Town, Halesowen Town and Forest Green Rovers.