BURNLEY'S French defender Arthur Gnohere suffered his first set-back since moving to the Clarets when he was sent-off against Barnsley reserves last night.

But luckily for the player, and manager Stan Ternent, a rule change in the summer means his dismissal will not rule him out of the first team. Had last season's rules still applied Gnohere would have missed the match against Sheffield United next month.

There was disappointment for the Clarets when German trialist Thomas Sobotzik was again unavailable for selection despite having trained with the club for the past ten days.

Reserve boss Ronnie Jepson said this morning: "It would appear that a problem still exists in relation to his registration documents and his release from the German FA."

But there was better news for Clarets boss Stan Ternent as Graham Branch returned to action for the first time since damaging his Achilles' in the pre-season clash with Chelsea,

Gnohere has made a bright start to his Burnley career but is still learning about the English game.

Having been taken off early in the first half against Nottingham Forest at the weekend last night's match offered a good chance to let him get another game under his belt.

But two first half bookings left Gnohere seeing red and for the second successive match he did not manage to complete a half.

Branch had hoped to play for the reserves last week but that game came a little too soon.

The versatile player was used in the left back role in the first half before making way for youngster Liam Eves at the break.

He showed plenty of appetite for the game and repeatedly got forward to support the attack, even getting a couple of shots in on goal.

"We always intended to give Branchy just one half because you can't rush him too much," said Jepson. "Gordon Armstrong was also back after injury and he just played the first half but the lads who came on (youngsters Andrew Waine and Liam Eves) did well."

In fact Jepson was delighted with the display from the whole side as they showed great character to battle on having been reduced to ten men.

"I think the display said everything about the club and the type of players that the gaffer has brought in," he said. "Everyone dug in and showed great attitude. All the players have a go."

Jepson was not willing to discuss Gnohere's dismissal, preferring to concentrate on the many positives in the match, not least the display of winger and goalscorer Bradley Maylett.

"Brad took his goal very well and when we he was asked to double up he did excellently," he said.

He was also delighted with the display of Mark McGregor who moved to centre back after the red card. "He never put a foot wrong and he has already come on a lot this season," Jepson enthused.

"I thought Luigi (Cennamo) also did well in goal, he was very confident and positive about coming for crosses."

The one criticism came in the concession of an equaliser from a set-piece shortly after taking the lead although he said: "It was slack marking but you have to give them credit for great delivery of the free kick.

"But even then the lads did not let their heads drop, they just dug in."