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Sheffield United suspend keeper Kenny over failed drugs test
SHEFFIELD United have suspended Paddy Kenny for failing a drugs test.
The goalkeeper tested positive for a banned substance - believed to come from an over-the-counter cough medicine - taken during May's two-legged Championship play-off semi-final series against Preston North End.
There were suggestions this afternoon that he tested positive for the decongestant and stimulant ephedrine.
Ephedrine is on the list of the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned substances. However, it is contained in some treatments for the common cold.
Both Kenny and United, whose pre-season tour of Malta begins this evening, now face an anxious wait to discover what action the Football Association and UK Sport will take after both his A and B urine samples were analysed.
With the Republic of Ireland international now potentially facing a ban of up to two years, manager Kevin Blackwell could be forced back into the transfer marketfor a replacement.
Ian Bennett, Kenny's deputy, put pen to paper on a one-year contract last week.
But with Justin Haber the only other senior shot-stopper on the club's books, the United manager will be tempted to draft in extra cover, with Preston's Andy Lonergan emerging as a possibility.
The 25-year-old was instrumental in helping Alan Irvine's side qualify for the end-of-season competition but would prove difficult to lure away from Deepdale.
Blackburn Rovers are also understood to be monitoring Lonergan's situation closely.
But Irvine recently poured cold water on claims he was destined for the exit door, admitting: "There are always going to be newspaper stories like this and there is nothing we can do about it.
"But I can assure you we haven't heard a word from any club.
"And I'll be happy if it stays that way."
Neither United, Kenny or the governing body were available for comment last night.
But the matter is certain to prove a major talking point during their trip to the Mediterranean especially as Haber, one of the island's most popular sportsmen, could now be set to enjoy a more prominent role during Friday's friendly against Floriana.
Blackwell, who has had bids accepted for Watford duo John-Joe O'Toole and Tommy Smith as well as Bristol City midfielder Michael McIndoe, could hold further talks with the trio later this week.
Speaking before news of Kenny's troubles broke, he told The Star: "Nothing has been sorted out yet.
"The situation is still on-going and it's just a case of waiting to see what happens now.
"The negotiating will continue while we are away."
New signings Lee Williamson and Kyel Reid are both expected to travel, alongside trialists Glen Little and Julian Gray.
Meanwhile, United's executive director, Mike Farnan, has revealed he will hold talks with Maltese striker Michael Mifsud's agent shortly following his release by Coventry.
"I have a meeting with Michael Mifsud and Carly Barnes next week," he said.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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