Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini is expected to avoid a lengthy ban after his dismissal in their draw with Pacos de Ferreira.

The Evening Chronicle says United are to be boosted by the FA's new guidelines on friendly games, with English football's governing body taking a sympathetic view on dismissals in warm-up matches.

It means that Coloccini is likely to miss the game at Blackpool on Sunday and is expected to pick up a one-game ban.

However, the prospect of him missing the big kick-off due to a lengthy ban is now unlikely.