SUSPENDED captain Steven Caldwell has revealed his frustration at missing more match action, but has backed his replacement to produce the goods as Burnley bid for their first away win at Portsmouth.

Caldwell was forced to sit out the first seven league games this season after suffering a groin injury on his Scotland recall three days before the campaign began, and will now miss the weekend trip to Fratton Park following his stoppage time red card in Saturday’s 5-3 loss at West Ham.

Andre Bikey became a transfer window purchase the last time Caldwell was ruled out, after Stephen Jordan had deputised at centre half in the opening game at Stoke City.

The Cameroon international was given a defensive midfield role once the Clarets skipper returned to the side, but is likely to make up the back four this weekend, while midfielder Kevin McDonald could make his first Premier League start.

Caldwell was penalised for pulling back Hammers substitute Zavon Hines, after his attempted backpass fell short of goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

And although he felt the decision was harsh, he is confident the squad will cope with his absence.

“It is very difficult in the 91st minute, sometimes you should take another option and let him run on, but I thought it was a very harsh sending off,” said the 29-year-old.

“The linesman is 40 yards away but gives the decision and the referee gets the red card out straight away.

“I’ll miss an extremely big game and it hurts to miss any football match.

"Hopefully whoever comes in can perform and we can get the win.

“It is a chance to put a massive gap between ourselves and Portsmouth.”

Burnley face a Pompey side who are rock bottom of the Premier League but hope to be rejuvenated by new manager Avram Grant, despite a 4-1 home defeat to Manchester United in the Israeli’s first game in charge.