RED-CARDED Town defender Anthony Gerrard is clear to play against Blackpool on Boxing Day.
The 26-year-old was controversially sent-off in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace for a challenge on Yannick Bolasie and is facing a three-match ban.
Town immediately said they would appeal the decision by referee Graham Scott and duly filed papers with the Football Association before today's 11am deadline.
But, because the FA disciplinary panel isn't sitting until Thursday because of the Christmas holiday, Gerrard remains available for the John Smith's Stadium clash with Michael Appleton's side on Wednesday, when ordinarily his suspension was due to start.
Should Town's appeal fail, then Gerrard will have to start his ban when Sheffield Wednesday visit the John Smith's on Saturday.
Manager Simon Grayson, who is definitely without Joel Lynch against Blackpool because he has reached five yellow cards, had indicated he was ready to call up Scottish teenager Murray Wallace for a debut and recall skipper Peter Clarke, who was a sub at Selhurst Park.
Now, he has Clarke, Gerrard and Wallace to select from as Town look for a first Championship victory in eight outings.
