The race to replace Baudet

Last updated : 22 September 2005 By Rob Davies

Baudet begins a three-match suspension on Saturday as his team-mates face Rushden & Diamonds at Meadow Lane.

The Frenchman was sent-off late in last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town for an idiotic stamp, that will mean he'll miss his club's next three matches.

Baudet joins team-mate Steve Scoffham on the sidelines, with the striker also serving a suspension after being given his marching orders during the Magpies' 1-1 draw against Chester two weeks ago.

However, despite completing a full 90 minutes in all of Notts' nine league matches so far, Baudet believes that his team-mates will have no trouble coping in his absence.

"There is enough character and potential and quality to play without me. It is about we and not me and I am not worried about it," he told the Nottingham Evening Post.

"I am suspended and so is Scoff so it gives other players a chance.

"It is going to be a test for the squad but those who have not been playing are desperate to play and have been working so hard in training."

With Baudet missing for Saturday's game against Rushden, Notts manager Gudjon Thordarson will be forced to shuffle his pack - splitting up defensive pairing of Baudet and Kelvin Wilson for the first time since arriving.

The fight to partner Wilson seems a straight battle between two men who were already in the Starting Xl. Brian O'Callaghan, who is a centre back by trade but has started every match this season at right back, may be moved inside. Mike Edwards, who is another centre back who has been playing out of position, could also be moved back into his more natural role, after starting as a holding midfielder in the past few weeks.

As well as Baudet, club captain Rob Ullathorne is a severe doubt for Saturday's game after injuring his knee during the Shrewsbury defeat.

The 26-year-old Frenchman will also be missing for the games at Grimsby Town and Macclesfield.