Sam Allardyce is set to launch Ravel Morrison into the Kevin Nolan role whilst the shamed skipper serves out the ban for his red card against Liverpool.

The 31 year old will miss the games against Sunderland, Spurs and Manchester United following the foul at Anfield on Saturday.

And some insiders see the situation as a possible blessing in disguise as the vast majority have been calling for Morrison to be used in the advanced role rather than Nolan.

We were told: “There can be no question that Kevin’s form has not been what we would have expected this season – he isn’t the same player without Andy Carroll in the team.

“It now looks very much as though Ravel will be getting the position most believe is his best – as a front man whilst Mohamed Diame returns to his best role in central midfield.

“You hate to say it really but this could be a real blessing in disguise and we could see a revival in our fortunes as a result.

“Manchester United aren’t the team they were last season and  we could get something but the big one is Sunderland at the weekend.

“Despite the injury problems, everyone is very upbeat and the manager remains totally positive.!”