Hendrie hit by suspension

The 28-year-old former England midfielder had hoped to quash the ban but decided against it after viewing video evidence.  Although he is available against Real Bolton on Saturday but David O’Leary is unlikely to turn to him as he seeks a settled starting XI. Hendrie will then be unavailable for the next three matches against Manure, Portsmouth and Blackburn before returning to the reckoning for the game with West Ham at Upton Park on 12 September.

His suspension will be a relief to some though, who believed that with Kevin Phillips already a likely starter, two rodent-featured players would simply prove too much.