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A case for the defence

Ireland defender could be the beneficiary from Tarkowski's violent conduct charge

Burnley defender James Tarkowski was involved in an incident with Brighton’s Glenn Murray on Saturday.

James Tarkowski File Photo Burnley's James Tarkowski could be punished by the FA. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

BURNLEY DEFENDER JAMES Tarkowski has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association relating to an incident in their goalless draw away to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.

Tarkowski appeared to aim an elbow into the ribs of Brighton’s Glenn Murray in the 35th minute. The incident occurred shortly after Murray missed a penalty that was awarded when Tarkowski was deemed to have fouled the striker by referee Chris Kavanagh.

The 25-year-old defender, whose form has seen him tipped for an England call-up, has until 6pm tomorrow to respond to the FA charge. He faces a three-match ban if it’s upheld.

While a potential absence for Tarkowski would be a blow for Sean Dyche’s side, who are currently in sixth place in the table, it could open the door for one member of Burnley’s sizeable Irish contingent.

Republic of Ireland international defender Kevin Long was drafted into the team earlier this month, helping the Clarets to keep clean sheets in the wins over Watford and Stoke City while playing alongside Tarkowski in the absence of Ben Mee, who was injured.

Kevin Long Republic of Ireland defender Kevin Long. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Having returned to full fitness, Mee was back in the team for Saturday’s game against Brighton. However, Long could now make a swift return to the starting line-up as Burnley prepare for some big games over the festive period.

They entertain Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday before heading to Old Trafford on St Stephen’s Day to face Manchester United. Next is a trip to Huddersfield Town on 30 December, followed by a home game against Liverpool on New Year’s Day.

Long, who’s Burnley’s longest-serving player having joined the club from Cork City eight years ago, got his first taste of senior international football earlier this year when he featured for Ireland in the friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay.

He was handed a surprise start in Dublin in the 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Austria, and also came off the bench in the 1-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff.

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