CLIVE Platt will be disciplined by Colchester United for his rash sending off in Tuesday evening's Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient.

Carl Marston

CLIVE Platt will be disciplined by Colchester United for his rash sending off in Tuesday evening's Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient.

Target man Platt starts a three-match suspension tomorrow, as punishment for his red card for violent conduct during injury-time.

A two-goal hero in last Saturday's 7-1 demolition of Norwich City, Platt turned from hero to villain in just three days. He will miss the home games against Yeovil (tomorrow) and Gillingham (next Tuesday evening), and the following Saturday's trip to his former club MK Dons.

Manager Paul Lambert confirmed: “There will be no appeal from us regarding the red card.

“It's been said that the big lad did it, although I still haven't seen the incident, and I just hope that it doesn't prove as costly as the actual defeat to Leyton Orient.

“There will be a punishment from the club, as there is with all red cards. But we will be keeping that in house.

“Clive was terrific for us in pre-season, and I thought that he was unplayable at Norwich. He was also excellent on Tuesday night,” added Lambert.

It was Platt's second sending-off in a U's shirt, following his then-club record transfer from MK Dons (�300,000) during the summer of 2007.

Ironically, the 31-year-old was flashed a red card even before making his competitive debut, because he was dismissed for violent conduct (alleged use of the elbow) during the pre-season game against Bolton Wanderers in July, 2007.

Platt's enforced absence will mean a big chance for fellow striker Scott Vernon, who is set to replace Platt over the next three games.

Vernon netted in injury-time at Norwich last weekend, following his introduction as a substitute. He also impressed in pre-season with a number of goals.

“Scott (Vernon) was very close (to making the starting line-up) at the start of the season, and I have no problem with Scott and Kevin Lisbie playing together. They've done it before in the Championship,” continued Lambert.

“Perhaps Scott is too nice a lad at times, but he's always had the right attitude and I've never had a problem with him.

“He did great at Norwich and he'll come in against Yeovil,” added Lambert.

Fellow striker Steven Gillespie, the U's club record signing, will again not figure because of a hamstring injury.