Paul Merson has decided against appealing against Craig Pead’s sending off on Saturday.

After reviewing the video of the incident, Merson has admitted that it doesn’t “show him in a very good light” and that an appeal would be unlikely to succeed. He also said he will be fining the player.

With Pead now missing on Friday and the injuries growing, it looks like Steve Staunton will be recalled for the Merthyr cup tie and that may well turn out to be his last game for the club, as he has emerged as the Bookies’ favourite to take over the Ireland job, having been backed down to 2 - 1.

According to the Express and Star, Merson says we only have ten fit outfield players for Friday.