Old rivalries renewed as Gills face Lions

Last updated : 10 February 2005 By Simon Head

Muscat: impressive card collection

Muscat has the unwanted reputation as one of English football's dirtiest players - and he has a string of bookings and sendings off to his name.

In the last eight and half years, from season 1996/97 to present day, Muscat has accumulated an amazing 75 cautions and seven red cards. Since his arrival at Millwall, the no-nonsense fullback has picked up 14 yellows and three reds in 56 starts for the Lions, which works out at a card every three and a bit matches. Not bad going!

So far this season, the Aussie international has picked up seven yellows and one red card.

His presence on the field on Saturday will take on extra significance should Gills' player coach Iwan Roberts enter the fray.

Roberts: he and Muscat 'have previous'

Roberts, who admitted deliberately stamping on Muscat to get revenge during a Norwich v Wolves match six seasons ago, says the two players actually get on OK socially - and things between the two are perfectly civil. However, both players are more than capable of handling themselves on the field - and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if there was be a bit of niggly stuff between the two should they meet on the field.

Matches with Millwall always get the pulses racing, as they are one of our closest rivals geographically - and we've been pretty successful in recent years. In order to be successful again, we may well need to keep our discipline in the face of provocation from the likes of Muscat, David Livermore and Dennis Wise.