ANTHONY McGrath expects Andrew Gale to play a significant role in Yorkshire’s title run-in, even though it won’t be with the bat or as on-field captain.

Gale’s will miss their LV= County Championship matches against Nottinghamshire and Somerset, having been banned for verbally abusing Ashwell Prince during Tuesday’s third day of the Roses match.

McGrath, Gale’s predecessor as Yorkshire skipper, has expressed his disappointment for his former team-mate’s plight, admitting “it must be heartbreaking for him really”.

But he believes the 30-year-old left-hander, a firm subscriber to the theory that 'there is no i in team', will dust himself off and be ready to help out down at Trent Bridge next week in whichever way he can.

Gale took to Twitter yesterday to admit: “Words can't describe how gutted I am to be missing the last few games, but live by the sword die by the sword.

“I've worked all my career to get my hands on that little trophy, and I'm confident in the boys that they'll get the job done.”

And McGrath said: “It’s happened now. You can’t do anything about it. Some players will dwell on it, but I’m sure Galey’s view will be “I’m going to be at the ground and will help in any way I can’.

“To be going into a game without your captain when you can secure the league next week – if not next week then the week after – on a personal front, it must be heartbreaking for him really.

“From the team’s point of view, you want your captain to be playing. He’s been captain for a few years now, since 2010. The game we lost down at Middlesex he wasn’t involved in, so it’s just a shame.”

Joe Root is expected to return from England limited-overs duty to captain the side in the last two matches. Gary Ballance should also return to the side.