FABIAN Wilnis' appeal against his sending off against Cardiff City has been rejected and he will serve a one-match ban against Wolves tomorrow.The Dutchman last night expressed his disappointment and dismay at the decision and told the EADT: “It is an injustice.

By Derek Davis

FABIAN Wilnis' appeal against his sending off against Cardiff City has been rejected and he will serve a one-match ban against Wolves tomorrow.

The Dutchman last night expressed his disappointment and dismay at the decision and told the EADT: “It is an injustice.

“The referee has blundered twice. First, he has given a penalty when he should have booked the lad for diving and then he sent me off, when it was not a goalscoring opportunity.

“It is quite clear on the tape so I don't understand how they could not uphold the appeal.

“What do the authorities want to do - encourage diving?

“I'm very upset and disappointed about it but that is it, there is no more I can do. I will just have to sit out the game and be ready for the week after against QPR.”

Scott Barron will return to the Blues' squad for the first time since August as boss Joe Royle looks to plug the gaps left by injury and suspension. Barron has made just one senior appearance for Town, when he started in the victory against Brentford in the Carling Cup last season, and has battled back from injury over the past year.

A series of good reserve games have pushed him into the frame and Royle is ready to pitch the 20-year-old full-back into action if needed.

Wilnis added: “It could not come at a worse time either with all the injuries we have.

“I really have never known anything like it. Anything that could go wrong this season has done.

“The only positive thing is that it gives one of the younger players a chance to come in to try seize his opportunity.”

With Jay McEveley out for the season and travelling back to Blackburn today for surgery on his knee injury, and Kevin Horlock struggling with a swollen knee, Town are threadbare at the back.

Matt Richards, who has been performing well in midfield, may be asked to drop back but the Blues are also suffering a midfield shortage.

Jimmy Juan missed training with a sore foot and tight calf, Owen Garvan limped out of the FA Youth Cup win over Leeds United on Wednesday and Ian Westlake is not fit enough after an ankle problem.

Jim Magilton, Darren Currie, Gavin Williams and Jamie Peters, along with Richards, will be available for a midfield role.

With Sam Parkin a long-term casualty, and Nicky Forster touch and go for Saturday, it is probable that Adam Proudlock will start up front alongside Dean Bowditch, with Billy Clarke on the bench.

Royle said: “Adam Proudlock is in contention for this weekend. With Wolves being his old club, there is a strong case for Adam to be playing.”

Danny Haynes, who made his first team debut at Leeds United in September, then was so influential in the Youth Cup win on Wednesday, also has a chance of a call back into the squad.