FRIDAY POLL: Bruce must do without suspended Boyd for three games

Hull City manager Steve Bruce. Picture Bruce Rollinson.

The incident came midway through the second half of last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to title-chasing Manchester City.

Hart remonstrated with the Tigers substitute for what he considered to be an attempt to win a penalty by diving and appeared to head-butt the one-time Peterborough man.

Boyd reacted by shouting at the England goalkeeper and it was at this moment that slowed-down action replays showed spittle leave his mouth and landing on Hart.

After the game, Hart made it clear to Blues insiders that he did not consider Boyd to have spat at him. Manager Steve Bruce also dismissed the suggestion, but that did not stop the FA from charging his player on Tuesday. Boyd appealed but that was yesterday rejected by an independent regulatory commission hearing.

An FA statement confirmed: “Hull City’s George Boyd will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after an FA charge for spitting was found proven.”

The suspension rules Boyd out of tomorrow’s home game against West Bromwich Albion plus Wednesday’s trip to West Ham United and the visit of Stoke City to the KC a week tomorrow.

He will, though, be available for the Cup semi-final against Sheffield United.

Bruce must now have to do without a player that he frequently employs off the bench, with 19 of Boyd’s 25 league appearances this term having come as a substitute.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday have extended Adedeji Oshilaja’s loan spell at the club until the end of the season.

The young Cardiff City defender has missed the last two matches with a toe injury, but is available for tomorrow’s South Yorkshire derby at Doncaster Rovers.

Sam Hutchinson and Chris Kirkland could also return for the clash at the Keepmoat Stadium.

In League One, Rotherham United were dealt a blow with utility man Mark Bradley being ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Bradley underwent a scan this week after limping out of last week’s 2-0 victory at Oldham Athletic and will require an operation. With Bradley out of the run-in, youngster Danny Rowe has returned to the club from his loan at Stalybridge to provide some cover.

James Tavernier is fit for tomorrow’s game at Peterborough United, but Wes Thomas (thigh) is out.