The FA will hear Jon Stead’s appeal against his red card at Crystal Palace later today. The striker was shown a straight red by referee Paul Taylor close to the end of the first half of the game at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day for a foul on Freddie Sears.
If Stead’s appeal is unsuccessful he’ll miss the FA Cup tie at Blackpool on Saturday, the away league game at Leicester the following Sunday and the home match with Coventry City.
The FA could add an additional game to his ban if they feel the appeal is frivolous, although given the particularly controversial nature of the sending off this seems highly unlikely.
Meanwhile, Town have confirmed that new keeper Brian Murphy won't be available for selection until after the weekend. The 26-year-old's Bosman move from League of Ireland champions Bohemians will be ratified by the football authorities on Monday.