GOOD will to all men was certainly in short supply at Portman Road at the weekend.

I couldn't believe we'd had another player red carded, and having seen the incident on television, I honestly think the Ipswich players have got John Spicer sent off.

About four players got around the referee straight away and were pointing fingers, the lad will have been told to stay on the floor and writhe around a bit, and in that situation referees usually do what Phil Dowd did on the day and show a red card.

From an ex-player's point of view, I think the reaction of the Ipswich lads was largely responsible for that. And it's got to a stage where you're getting sent off every time you mis-time a challenge.

When I was playing 20 years ago you'd get the ball to your feet, lay it off and you'd be waiting for it - and your opponent rarely disappointed!

That's not so these days though. I feel sorry for Spicer because he is now suffering the consequences of that with a three-game ban, and Burnley find themselves severely depleted in midfield.

You accept that injuries and suspensions will happen over the course of the season, but it's incredible how they've all come at once. It's Sod's Law, as well, when you've got a small squad.

Burnley will be stretched to the limit for the next two or three games, with Graham Alexander also set to miss Saturday's home game against Bristol City after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season as well at Ipswich.

But it's something that the Clarets have got to deal with in the absence of being able to wheel and deal until January 1, and everybody will be desperate to pull together in these times of adversity.

Players from other positions can take on midfield roles if necessary, while for those who are drafted into the starting line-up, it's up to them to show they are worthy of keeping hold of the shirt.

Every footballer wants to be playing every week and if they are doing the business, they will be in the team, although it's going to be interesting to see who is named in the starting line-up this afternoon.

We keep talking about the home form, and that's something Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws has touched on in the build-up to the game. He certainly won't be willing to do his former club any favours, especially as he's faced with the task of turning around his own side's recent run of disappointing form.

It will be a tough ask against Bristol City on Saturday too. They're flying, and Darren Byfield keeps making a menace of himself with some late goals.

But Burnley need to start winning at Turf Moor and take advantage of this wide open Championship.