John Harbin admitted it was a "privilege" to be manager of Coventry for the goalless draw against Cardiff, but believes his reign will be shortHarbin, along with coach Frankie Bunn, was placed in charge of first-team affairs for the visit of the Bluebirds after good friend Iain Dowie - with whom he has worked for the last six years at Oldham, Crystal Palace and the Sky Blues - was sacked on Monday.

Dowie was dismissed just a week short of what would have been his first anniversary at the helm.

Chairman Ray Ranson stated Dowie's coaching methods were too old-fashioned and a more "progressive and modern approach" was needed to take the club forward.

Ranson is believed to be aiming to appoint Dowie's successor before Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against midlands rivals West Brom.

Harbin said: "This could be my only game in charge and it was a privilege. If it is not just this game then maybe it will only be two matches.

"I might only be manager of a football team for one game, so I wanted to enjoy the moment and that is what I did.

"I aged five years but I enjoyed it. The clock goes a lot slower when you are down in the technical area as opposed to being in the stands."

Harbin felt the draw at the Ricoh Arena was a fair reflection of the game.

"I am happy with the result and I think it was about right," said the Australian.

"Cardiff are a very good team, one of our scouts said they were one of the best teams he had seen in this league, so I am very pleased."

Harbin, a fitness coach by trade, was particularly pleased with Coventry's effort.

He said: "We showed a lot of spirit and that got us through the game.

"There was a lot of effort and the work rate was good. We had to hold out a bit in the second half but the endeavour was there."

It was attritional at times as the two sides had to settle for a point that does little to enhance their respective relegation and promotion causes.

Coventry shaded the first half while Cardiff edged it after the break.

Michael Mifsud and then Dan Fox went close for the hosts with low efforts from outside the area either side of the half-hour mark.

Paul Parry was denied by a goal-saving challenge from Isaac Osbourne at the start of the second half before the Wales international was later thwarted by Andy Marshall on two occasions.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones felt his side did enough to win the game in the second half.

"We had numerous chances to put it to bed after the break and we didn't," said Jones. "I am disappointed with that.

"The first half was a scrap and a battle and we never really got going.

"But in the second half we have come out and created some good chances so we are frustrated because we should have really won it."

Jones revealed he will be without Joe Ledley for this weekend's FA Cup clash against Wolves.

The Wales international was substituted in the 64th minute after suffering an injury and will have a scan on Wednesday.

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