Keeper Kenny battling to avoid ephedrine ban

SHEFFIELD UNITED and Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny will have to prove there was no significant fault or negligence surrounding his positive drugs test if he is to avoid a two-year ban.

The Republic of Ireland international has been suspended by his club after testing positive for the stimulant ephedrine in a urine sample given after the Blades’ play-off semi-final against Preston in May.

Kenny, 31, will now be subject to an FA disciplinary inquiry and will face an independent regulatory commission. Most drug offences uncovered by in-competition tests carry an automatic two-year ban but ephedrine is a “specified substance” under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, which means there is the potential for a more lenient punishment – sanctions range from a reprimand up to a two-year suspension.