BURNLEY'S Dean West and Gareth Taylor have spoken of their frustration at their recent suspensions.

West picked up a two-game ban and Taylor was suspended for three matches after both were sent off in the Clarets 4-2 defeat at Gillingham last month.

But the delay in their appeal decisions, after referee Grant Hegley refused to back down, was what angered them more than anything.

"I had a feeling it wouldn't go my way but, for what I did - which as far as I'm concerned was pretty much nothing - it was disappointing, " said Taylor, who was sent off for an alleged headbutt on Gills captain Paul Smith.

Smith spoke up in Taylor's defence, but the Clarets striker said it was too little, too late. "It was his reaction in the first place that got me sent off," said the 29-year-old.

"I think he realised he'd over-reacted and he was apologetic afterwards but the damage had already been done.

"It's frustrating watching because you just want to get back in the swing of things."

West added: "The delay in their decision was caused by Christmas but it was frustrating not finding out until the day before the game I was definitely suspended, particularly as I thought my red card was a poor decision.

"The ball was kicked at me from a couple of yards away. It was volleyed straight at my face and it was a natural reaction to put my hands up.

"I was 10 yards inside my own half and the referee called it a goalscoring opportunity.

"He might have scored, but he would have had a lot of work to do before he could."

He added: "I wasn't very happy when I eventually found out but it's not something you can do anything about after the initial decision has been appealed against.

"It's always frustrating missing games, especially when I had played so many on the bounce over the last 18 months to two years and, with the wait, we had prepared for both scenarios in training - if we were playing or if we weren't.

"So it was equally frustrating for the manager as well."

The only positive aspect to emerge from the situation was that the FA Cup third round replay against Grimsby Town meant Taylor only missed one league game.

Taylor said: "Luckily, with the initial game ending in a draw it brought me back a league game sooner, so it worked out quite well in a way because I wasn't out too long. But it was still frustating watching."

THE Clarets' bid to land Blackburn Rovers midfielder Alan Mahon on loan seems to have failed.

Cardiff yesterday emerged as favourites to secure the former Tranmere and Sporting Lisbon man on loan.