Boss admits you have to half accept Grant picking up yellows for his combative style.

Steve Davis admits that it is a loss to be without the suspended Anthony Grant for this weekend’s trip to Crawley Town, but says that picking up yellow cards is part of his game as a midfield competitor. Grant will miss one game through suspension after collecting five yellow cards before the first deadline of the season.

Defender George Ray is also banned for three games following his straight red card against Sheffield United for dissent.

Steve Davis told the club’s official web-site: “It is strange for us to have two players suspended. That is not like us and our history of winning the fair play award is testimony to that.

“Granty has got five yellows and has to serve a one match suspension. He plays with that tenacious and competitive streak and he will pick up yellow cards. He is a combative midfield player and those type of players pick up yellow cards from time to time.

“He has done that all through his career and it is something you try and work on. Saying that Anthony is fouled more than he fouls and opposition players receive more cautions for fouls on him than the other way round.”

He added: “George will learn from what happened last week. He now missed three games and it is a harsh punishment from which he will have to learn from.”