STAN Ternent has accused Sheffield United skipper David Holdsworth of deliberately smashing Paul Dalglish's nose.

The Bury boss remains incensed over an off-the-ball incident in last Saturday's FA Cup third round draw at Bramall Lane which left Dalglish needing an operation and out of action for two weeks.

Ternent knows he could face disciplinary action himself by speaking out about an incident which was unseen by the referee and therefore went unpunished. But he believes it is too serious an issue to be allowed to be swept under the carpet.

"If Alex Ferguson can speak out about a tackle which left Denis Irwin out of action then I can do the same about one which has left one of my players out," explained Ternent. "Because we don't have the kind of money they have to replace players.

"We will now be without Paul for two weeks because Holdsworth elbowed him across the face - forearm smashed him.

"Paul was running back and Holdsworth elbowed him. He didn't get booked and nobody has said anything about it but I saw it and my players were also incensed by it.

"I am not happy about it because we have had two smashing games against Sheffield United but this has cost Bury Football Club. It was a reckless act by Holdsworth."

Dalglish will not be available for tomorrow's First Division trip to Reading or next Tuesday's FA Cup replay with the Blades when Holdsworth can expect to have powerhouse Peter Swan to cope with after his suspension which ends tomorrow. However, all eyes will be on whether the United centre half plays after the incident which will be on the minds of both camps.

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