Bullard struck by new injury setback

More knee trouble, this time in his left, for the Tigers' play-maker, who has missed the last fortnight, means that he is out of Saturday's televised Championship trip to Barnsley along with suspended centre-back Daniel Ayala, whose fourth successive booking against Portsmouth on Saturday took him to a one-match ban for a total of five yellow cards.

The 5m signing Bullard, 31, whom the Tigers have unsuccessfully attempted to offload due to his reported 45,000-a-week wages, is hoping not to undergo further knee surgery but will also miss the games against Scunthorpe United, Leeds United and Preston North End.

Summer signing James Harper, who made his debut as a second half substitute following a broken foot, will be pressing for a central midfield role in place of hamstring victim Robert Koren at Oakwell where 19-year-old Liverpool loan signing Ayala could be replaced by either Liam Cooper or right-back Paul McShane.

Mansfield boss David Holdsworth has distanced himself from the vacant managerial position at Notts County.

Holdsworth has been linked with succeeding Craig Short, who was sacked on Sunday less than five months after taking the job at Meadow Lane.

"I've got a very good job to do here at Mansfield and there is a work in progress. I have a great relationship with the players," Holdsworth said.

"I feel sorry for Craig losing his job and I don't think it is appropriate to comment on any other job."

Tottenham have announced the signing of South Africa defender Bongani Khumalo from SuperSport United.

A pre-contract agreement has been reached for the 23-year-old to join Spurs when the transfer window re-opens in January.