Duncan McArthur has been told to clean up his act by manager George Wakeling who is rapidly losing patience with the hot-head midfielder.

McArthur, who missed the first four matches of the season due to suspension, collected his second red card in three games during Saturday's FA Cup victory over Selsey.

He was also sent off against Chelmsford last month and misses five matches, including tomorrow's home game against Halesowen.

McArthur's absence is a huge blow because Wakeling has a small squad and McArthur, who is deadly at set pieces, is United's most creative player.

Wakeling supported McArthur last term when he was sent off twice and booked ten times during the championship-winning eastern division campaign.

However, he was warned to clean up his act as Hastings set about establishing themselves in the premier division.

But the advice appears to have gone unheeded and Wakeling has fined McArthur heavily for his recent misdemeanours.

"It is very frustrating," said Wakeling. "I supported Duncan last season when I backed him up over his disciplinary record.

"It may not have been the right road to go down. This season we are playing a higher standard and the players are more experienced, better and quicker.

"We have a small squad and I can't afford to have people doing silly things and getting sent off. I told all the players that and they know the consequences."

Former Albion trainee McArthur, who lives in Hastings, has been plagued by disciplinary problems since moving to the Pilot Field four seasons ago.

Wakeling said: "I'm very pleased to have him as part of my squad at Hastings but Duncan has got a bad disciplinary record that has to be addressed in house.

"Duncan has to play his part. Sooner or later the penny will drop and I think the team will reap the benefit.

"He is going to take his punishment and be dealt with, I can promise you that."

Veteran defender Stuart Playford is expected to be out for four to six weeks after having his appendix removed. Striker Ellis Remy is sidelined with a hamstring pull.