GARRY Flitcroft and Andy Todd will miss key 'derby' matches through suspension early in the New Year.

The influential duo have stacked up five yellow cards and will each serve a Premiership one-match ban.

Flitcroft was booked in the Boxing Day match against Middlesbrough at Ewood Park.  The club skipper is now set to miss the much-anticipated derby with his hometown side Bolton Wanderers at Ewood on Saturday January 10.

Meanwhile, Todd collected his fifth caution in yesterday's victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park. He will be sidelined for the visit to Manchester City on Saturday January 17.

Flitcroft's presence in the midfield will be sorely missed, particularly as Barry Ferguson now joins David Thompson on the long-term injured list.

Ferguson broke his knee-cap against the Magpies yesterday and is set to undergo an operation today.