Ban on the cards for Kewell

The 25-year-old Australian star has struggled to reach his sparkling best since returning from injury in December and he will now lose an opportunity to relaunch his flagging season against Harry Redknapp's strugglers on February 21st.

The one-game suspension will, however, allow the former Leeds man the chance to recuperate from an arduous jaunt to South America to participate in a friendly clash with Venezuela for his country on February 18th.