Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish insists Craig Gardner has learned lesson after dismissal for diving

EPL ; Alex McLeish – Gerard Houllier, Birmingham City v Aston Villa(Getty Images)

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Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has expressed his disappointment with Craig Gardner after the midfielder was sent off for diving against Wolves on Sunday, and revealed the midfielder has promised to improve his conduct in future.

The 24-year-old received a second yellow card from referee Kevin Friend for going to ground despite not being touched by Wolves defender Jody Craddock, and will now miss his side’s next two matches following his second dismissal of the season.

Birmingham managed to hold on for over an hour with 10 men to earn a 1-1 draw against their fellow relegation battlers, but will now have to do without one of their key players as they look to secure their Premier League survival in their next two games.

McLeish did not hide his annoyance at Gardner’s conduct, and was also frustrated by the midfielder’s first booking which came as a result of his reaction to a Jamie O’Hara challenge.

“On the decision, Craig dived, it was a booking, he went down but maybe he was diving to get out of the way of the two or three hard tackles he had received previously,” he told reporters.

“But we don’t condone players going down easy to win free kicks. Craig is better than that and at the same time I was disappointed with his yellow card for the reaction to the tackle by O’Hara.

“You can’t do that. That was one which annoyed me more than the simulation because I’m sure that will be the last we will see of the simulation.

“Craig was devastated in the dressing room. He apologised to everyone bar none, we accept his apology and we don’t want to see it again.

“He has to learn. It is like telling your kids when they are growing up but somehow they still disobey you and they have to learn the hard way.

“Hopefully Craig has learnt a lesson. It is a crucial period and we can ill afford to lose players at this part of the season.”