Double setback for Saints

St Johnstone's draw at Celtic on Sunday came at a cost, with manager Steve Lomas set to be handed a two-match ban and defender David McCracken facing a six-week absence with a fractured cheekbone.

Following the 1-1 SPL draw at Parkhead, Lomas apologised to referee Iain Brines after being sent to the stand in the second half, but the Perth side expect the Irishman to be sanctioned.

A story on Saints' official website read: "Lomas is facing a minimum two-match touchline ban after falling foul of referee Iain Brines at Parkhead.

"The case against the Saints gaffer will be heard by the SFA judicial panel later this month and while he can be present in the dugout until then, it is highly likely that a two-match suspended ban - awarded in the wake of the game [against Ross County] in Dingwall in September - will be invoked at that time."

McCracken, meanwhile, could be out until the new year after his injury, which may yet require surgery.

The club added: "The centre-half fractured a cheek bone in a clash of heads with Victor Wanyama after only five minutes of Sunday's clash with Celtic and although further diagnosis will take place later today, the medical opinion at this stage is that it is fractured in several places and surgery cannot be ruled out."