NEIL Danns comes back from suspension against Blackpool this weekend insisting: “I’m not a nasty player.”

The popular midfielder has seemingly gone from saint to sinner since being employed in a holding midfield role by Neil Lennon.

He sat out the last two games after picking up a tenth caution of the season in the 2-0 win over Millwall, and also saw red in the FA Cup against Liverpool back in January.

But Danns will be back in Lennon’s squad for Saturday’s home clash against the Seasiders and sees no reason to change his style.

“I don't think there is a problem,” he told The Bolton News. “The gaffer has asked me to play a completely different role than I had before when I was used mainly as an attacking threat.

“Now I have got more of a holding role, so I am making more tackles because I have got to win the ball. I don't think any of the challenges have been nasty. If I start taking tackling out of my game it could hinder me.

“So, getting booked is not something I worry about, though being suspended isn't good for the team or me because I always want to play.”

A trend has certainly developed since Danns was moved into a more defensive position for Lennon’s first game, away at Birmingham City in October.

Having received only four yellow cards in 48 appearances prior to that occasion, he then picked up 11 in the next 28 matches, including two at the Macron as the Whites toppled out of the FA Cup.

The Liverpudlian reasoned a few disciplinary issues may just be an occupational hazard as he looks towards next season with the Whites.

“I am always trying to time my tackles but sometimes you can get there a bit late,” he said.

“I am not putting myself in this bracket but some of the best players have played on the edge. Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira loved a tackle and it cost them a yellow card or two in their time!”

Danns has been away on international duty with Guyana during the break, earning his first cap in a 2-0 friendly win over Grenada.

Tim Ream also returned from action with his country with the US, playing just a single minute of their 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Zurich.

Meanwhile, young striker Georg Iliev played 90 minutes for Bulgaria Under-21s in their 3-1 defeat to Wales.