Saul issued ban

Last updated : 14 March 2005 By Richard Brown

The recently-turned 22-year old goalkeeper, who is already set to miss the visit of Bristol Rovers due to international commitments, was sent off during Saturday’s 3-1 no-show against Kidderminster Harriers, with the defeat halting a five-game unbeaten run for the Magpies.

Deeney: Suspended
The Republic of Ireland under-21 goalkeeper was dismissed for ‘violent conduct’ and the Football League has today confirmed that the suspension will stretch over a run of three games. As a result, Deeney will miss the forthcoming matches against Boston United (Tuesday), Chester City (Saturday) and Bristol Rovers (Saturday week).

Manager Ian Richardson has opted against an appeal, as the Notts boss and his keeper, Deeney are in agreement that any sort of appeal would not be a substantial one.

Speaking to Magpies Online earlier today, Richardson said "We are not going to appeal against it, it was a clear sending off and Saul knows it,"

"I said on Saturday after the game that I would make a decision about fining him after I had seen the video of the incident, and having seen it I can confirm action has to be taken because he lost his discipline and you really cannot do that."

However, as we all know, every cloud has a silver lining with Rob Elliot, the teenage goalkeeper on loan from Premiership side Charlton Athletic, staking his place to step up into the vacancy left by Deeney’s moment of madness.

The nineteen-year old keeper, pictured below, came off the bench on Saturday to make his Magpies debut.

Despite having been thrown in somewhat over his head on Saturday – conceding a penalty being his first taste of League football, to be so highly thought of at the Charlton youth academy, let alone by our very own boss, without justification would be somewhat illogical.

In an interview with the Nottingham Evening Post earlier today, the rookie goalkeeper said "I feel a bit sorry for Saul because he took a kick himself, but he did react to it.

Elliot: The unfortunate deputee
"While I feel bad for him, I am obviously happy that it means I get an opportunity. It was not the ideal way to make a debut, facing a penalty straight away and then conceding another goal pretty quickly."

"But I am looking forward to playing again in the week. I am going to have a little run in the first team now and I plan to make the most of it," he added.

"The manager has always said that he will not change the team if players are performing well, so if I come in and do a good job, maybe I will stay in the side for longer."

Check up on NCM later throughout the week for further news and updates.