OWEN Coyle has waded in to defend Kevin Davies in the ongoing debate over his mis-timed tackle on Tom Cleverley.

The Manchester United midfielder will be out for three weeks after a heavy challenge from the Wanderers skipper during Saturday’s 5-0 defeat at the Reebok.

But, looking to draw a line under the issue, Coyle pointed out that the striker was not booked by Andre Marriner for the indiscretion, and that the matter has since been blown out of proportion.

“I am not looking to get embroiled in any controversy but Kevin Davies made a tackle, the referee gave the foul and that’s how it is,” he said.

“We don’t want anyone injured, particularly a young lad who is having an outstanding season and one who looks set for a terrific career. But you won’t get anyone more honest than Kevin Davies. He probably gets hit more than anyone in football but I never hear him making an issue of it.

“I can understand it because it’s Manchester United and there is furore about it. But he phoned the lad – that’s how conscientious he is – to see that he was okay.”

Sir Alex Ferguson ensured a slew of headlines on Sunday morning by announcing after the game that Cleverley had possibly broken his foot.

That fear was eased 24 hours later – but not before the player and his wife Emma had been subjected to some fearful abuse on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.

Having experienced his fair share of injuries - one of which befell Stuart Holden at Old Trafford in March - Coyle was at a loss to understand the reaction.

“It was a foul but there was no intent to hurt the lad,” he said. “We have had two broken legs ourselves in pre-season; things like this happen.

“Stuart Holden has been out for six months from the last time we played United and I don’t recall us making a fuss about the challenge and that was a red card for Jonny Evans.

“It’s the nature of football. Kevin went to try and win the ball. He mistimed it, he fouled the lad and unfortunately young Cleverley got hurt. We wish him a speedy recovery.”