However, the talented Morrocan is now off to the African Cup of Nations, meaning the booking will be served while he is away. Nicely done.
Safri will of course be a big miss for Saints. Signed for peanuts, he has been the best value signing of the season and has been arguably Saints' best player (no arguments from this site!).
Burley's game is based around trying to play good passing football and Safri has a great range of passing, rarely conceding possession, as well as unexpected bite in the tackle.
Burley would love to find a replacement on loan from the Premiership, but may struggle to find another gem. Shame that Guthrie's is already on loan at Bolton as he would be the ideal candidate.
As it is, Viafara is long overdue another runout in the centre of midfield, even if Burley continues to be frustrated by his erratic passing. The likeable Columbian brings a lot more to the game with his energy and aggression and may be the right partner to do the legwork for the fit-again Idiakez.