FA considers Kenny request

The Football Association is considering a request from Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny’s agent to have his FA disciplinary hearing postponed.

The suspended Blades keeper was due to discover what punishment he would face tomorrow after failing a drugs test following his side’s Coca-Cola Championship play-off semi-final against Preston in May.

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international was banned by the South Yorkshire club last month after testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell revealed on Saturday he was unsure why Tuesday’s hearing had been postponed but an FA spokesman revealed the request had come from the player’s representative.

“We are still considering a request from Paddy Kenny’s representative to delay the hearing and we expect to make a decision on that later today,” an FA spokesman said.

It is understood Kenny, who is facing a ban of between six months and two years, will insist the ephedrine entered his system through some cough mixture he took before the match – the stimulant is contained in some cold cures.