Soccer:Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny may appeal against his nine-month suspension, according to lawyer Stephen Taylor Heath.

The 31-year-old has been banned until April by the Football Association after he tested positive for banned substance ephedrine in May.

Heath, of Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett, told the Sheffield Star: “One of the bases of mitigation is that it did not find its way into his system to enhance performance.

“Paddy was having trouble with his chest and took a remedy which his partner had previously used and had worked.

“The commission accepted he did not know what he was taking. The words of their response, however, make it quite clear they are looking to send a message to others.

“Paddy Kenny is an honest guy, and we have a legal system of proportionality. Nine months seems excessive.”