Cash rounds on Rusedski

Cash and Rusedski had an acrimonious split

Pat Cash said Greg Rusedski "should have known better" after the Briton tested positive for nandrolone.

The Australian, who coached Rusedski in 2001, also warned his former charge of the possible consequences.

Cash believes the British number two is looking at a one-year ban and, regardless of any punishment, faces being ostracised by his peers.

"He is a professional athlete and he should know better," Cash told BBC Radio Five Live.

The former Wimbledon champion, who had an acrimonious split with Rusedski in 2001, continued: "For me it seems a bit ridiculous. He's shot himself in the foot but we will have to wait and see what the circumstances are.

"Unless there are extreme circumstances I think he will find himself out of tennis for a year."

Cash did however also concede the 30-year-old could have taken it accidently.

He is very upbeat but we hear that all the time from just about any athlete Pat Cash on Rusedski

However, he predicted that even if Rusedski escaped without a ban after his February hearing in Montreal, he would face a difficult time on the circuit.

Cash cited the example of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Korda, who was banned for a year after testing positive for nandrolone.

"Korda got suspended and when he came back he didn't have any respect from the players," said Cash.

"It puts a great doubt in everybody's mind and players don't like other players cheating."