Striker Scott Quigley is frustrated that he will be able to play in an EFL Trophy clash with Blackpool - but not in Saturday’s trip to Derby County.

Quigley was sent off at the end of last season, meaning he will have to sit out three games when the season kicks off next week.

It has left last season’s top scorer frustrated, especially with the Bluebirds landing a plum Carabao Cup tie with Derby County this weekend.

The striker has accepted he will miss the live televised game due to the ban, but is confused as to why he will be allowed to compete in the EFL Trophy game in a week’s time against Blackpool.

He can feature in that, then will miss two further league games before he come back into the fold.

The striker is frustrated by the situation.

He said: “I’ve accepted that I will miss the Derby game which is fair enough, but I can’t quite understand why I will then be able to come back for the Blackpool game, before having to miss two more games.

“It is a bit confusing to be honest. I’m frustrated I will miss the Derby game but as I say, it is what it is.

“It is what the FA have decided but for me it is a bit confusing and frustrating really.

“It would have been great to be involved in the Derby game.”

The Bluebirds travel to Pride Park on Saturday for the first round of the competition, and could line up against former England striker Wayne Rooney.

The game is being televised on Sky Sports, but the clash will still be without supporters in the ground.

Fans won’t be allowed to attend games until October time, and the striker believes at Derby it could be beneficial to his team mates.

He said: “The Barrow fans are great, especially away from home.

“They would have sold out if they could have done for sure, but this may come as a benefit.

“There is no pressure on us, and having no fans in the ground takes the pressure off even more.

“It may be a benefit to us going there with an empty stadium.”

Quigley has found the net in pre-season and will be looking to carry on his league form from last season when he does get back into the side.

But he knows if the club begin the season strongly, he will have to fight to earn his place back.

Quigley added: “It is frustrating to be missing these games, and I know that I will 100 per cent have to fight for my place if the season starts well when I am not in the side.

“I’m in good shape at the moment, I think it is probably the sharpest and fittest I have been up to now. But I know I’ll have to fight to get back in.”