Blades manager Neil Warnock has plenty of striking options ahead of tomorrows match at the Britannia Stadium. Strikers Danny Webber, Neil Shipperley, Ade Akinbiyi, Steven Kabba and Brian Deane all available to choose from, but Bruce Dyer is doubtful with a groin injury. Midfielder Alan Quinn remains sidelined with a slight stress fracture in his leg, but Warnock has no other new injury or suspension problems. Defender Chris Lucketti is hoping to make his first start since arriving from Preston, but is expected to resume on the bench. For Stoke, defender Clint Hill will be back in contention after he was rested for the 2-1 win at QPR. Midfielder Josip Skoko is struggling with a groin problem and is doubtful. Midfielders Kevin Harper and John Eustace remain long-term absentees.
Midfielder Phil Jagielka has been voted Sheffield United Player of the Year for the second successive season by Unitedites. The 23-year-old scooped the official Supporters Club award at the presentation dinner at Bramall Lane, with fellow midfielder Nick Montgomery named runner-up. Jagielka, was recently named best player outside the Premiership at the inaugural Football League awards. He has not missed a Championship match this season and scored his eighth goal of the campaign in Saturday's 3-0 win over Southampton. Defender Chris Armstrong received a special award from manager Neil Warnock after battling back into the first team following a career-threatening injury that had kept him sidelined for two years
Man of The Match: Paul Ifill.
United's poor recent form was finally brought to an end with an emphatic victory against Southampton at the Lane. Two goals in three minutes on the stroke of half-time from Phil Jagielka and Paul Ifill effectively sealed the points for Neil Warnock's men. Striker Neil Shipperley netted with a clinical strike after 77 minutes to put the seal on only United's second victory in their last nine games. The Blades got down to business straight from the off, forcing three corners in the first five minutes. A minute later, The Saints had the first noteworthy chance, when striker Kenwyne Jones had an 18-yard chip well tipped over and Peter Madsen should have hit the target with a shot on the turn dragged wide. With 19 minutes played United came agonisingly close to opening the scoring after Saints goalkeeper Paul Smith produced an outstanding save to deny Ifill. The Blades winger weaved his way through a clutch of defenders to give himself a clear sight of goal, but Smith's outstretched leg deflected Ifill's left-foot shot wide. Ifill was in the thick of the action again moments later when he stole the ball from Southampton left-back Jim Brennan and unleashed a 14-yard shot which Claus Lundekvam blocked bravely. The fist half continued without anymore incidents of note, with United pinning the game into the Southampton half. And just before the break United got their rewards, with the all-important opening goal after 43 minutes. Chris Armstrong whipped the ball in from the left and Jagielka was left totally free to slot home from close range. And with Southampton struggling to contain a rampant United; Rob Kozluk's long throw-in caused panic in the Saints defence and when the ball fell to Ifill 14 yards from goal, and the winger fired a low left-foot strike into the bottom corner. The goals poured confidence into United and they came out after the break reinvigorated, with Ifill desperately unlucky not to claim his second after curling a delightful left-foot shot on to the top of the bar. The Saints were a sad sight to behold and lacking passion, drive or purpose with the lightweight midfield being over-run by a strong Blades side. United were more powerful, more high-tempo, more determined to succeed. They closed down strongly and broke with pace and power and as their centre-backs grew in confidence, they kept it tight at the back. Indeed, throughout the whole second half; the best Southampton could muster was an unconvincing dive by Peter Madsen under David Unsworth's challenge in the Blades penalty area. The Dane might have been booked for dramatic acting but eventually got his just deserts for a foul of frustration, taking out Unsworth in front of the John Street Stand. And with the Southampton goal under siege, United's pressure told with 13 minutes remaining as Shipperley claimed the goal his work-rate deserved. It came in bizarre circumstances as substitute Keith Gillespie headed Jagielka's cross towards goal, and Saints defender Jim Brennan only succeeded in hitting his attempted clearance against team-mate Danny Higginbotham. The ball then smashed the post and rebounded nicely to Shipperley, who fired home a sweet left-footed strike from 10 yards to give United a deserved 3-0 lead. Chris Morgan almost got a fourth late on, but Saints keeper Smith tipped over the powerful header as Southampton hung on, and must have been glad to hear the final whistle at the end of a game. It had been a convincing dominant performance from United, with several players having their best match of the season. Craig short was commanding in defence, Ifill was showing his value to United with some teasing wide play, Armstrong and Tonge dominated midfield, Shipperley was powerful presence and a constant threat along with Danny Webber who ran the beleaguered Saints defenders ragged. It had been one of the best performances of the season and a valuable victory and statement of intent from the Blades, and gives United a six point lead over Watford.
United will be without Alan Quinn after scan results revealed a slight stress fracture in his leg. Winger Paul Ifill will return to the squad after he missed out last week with an ear infection. Southampton's Richard Chaplow and Jermaine Wright face late fitness checks for the trip to Bramall Lane. Claus Lundekvam should be fit despite missing the Watford game with a virus and Darren Potter (calf) is back in training but Darren Powell is out.
West Brom are insisting Geoff Horsfield's move to the Blades already a "done deal" despite United claiming they are to investigate ways of terminating the striker's switch from The Hawthorns to Bramall Lane. Neil Warnock said in a club statement: "It has been mutually agreed to investigate ways of terminating his current loan agreement with West Bromwich Albion." But the Baggies are adamant the transfer of Horsfield - for £1.25million after an initial loan period with the Blades - will stand unless they can find an alternative club to take over the deal. Albion agreed a £1million move plus an extra £250,000 in add-ons with United for 31-year-old Horsfield, with the deal becoming permanent in the summer. West Brom have already spent the money they expected to receive for Horsfield on midfielder Nigel Quashie who moved from Southampton. But now United have claimed they are to try to find a way of pulling the plug on the transfer. Albion are adamant the deal is already done and that United cannot go back on it. Albion said: "West Bromwich Albion have a done deal with Sheffield United regarding Geoff Horsfield, which covers the striker's loan until the end of the season and his permanent transfer - for an already agreed fee - on July 1. "That deal will stand unless Sheffield United can find an alternative club to take on their responsibilities."
Man of The Match: Danny Webber.
Norwich condemned United to their third defeat in the last four matches after a 2-1 defeat at Carrow Road. The Blades, with just one win in their last eight Championship matches, appeared to have got rid of their recent jitters when Chris Armstrong fired them into an early lead, but goals from Leon McKenzie and Robert Earnshaw gave the Canaries the victory. Defenders Rob Kozluk and David Unsworth returned to the Blades back four following last week's defeat at Coventry, and Phil Jagielka was pushed up back into midfield alongside Michael Tonge, who returned following suspension. Ade Akinbiyi was on the bench, with Danny Webber partnering Neil Shipperley in attack. For Norwich, Earnshaw came into the side at the expense of Simon Charlton. United were put on the back foot from the kick-off and conceded two corners in the first couple of minutes. But after a spell scrappy play confined to the midfield, the Blades stormed into the lead after 17 minutes. Tonge raced with the ball on the right flank before sending in a swooping low cross to Webber, the ball ran loose to Chris Armstrong, who dribbled past Shackle and Doherty before forcing a left-foot shot past Norwich goalkeeper Robert Green from 12 yards, to give United the lead. Webber was proving to be a real handful for the Norwich defenders, and only an interception from defender Carl Robinson inside the Norwich area prevented the Blades striker from rolling a simple pass along the six-yard box. The early goal had clearly settled United's nerves, and on 23 minutes a brave block from Shackell deflected a Phil Jagielka shot over the bar after Doherty only managed to head down a corner. But after 33 minutes, the Canaries found an equiliser. Huckerby won a free kick on the left, and 30 yards inside his own half after colliding with Kozluk. Adam Drury delivered the ball into the box and Shackell beat Chris Morgan to an early header, and guided the ball across goal. McKenzie was well placed and beat Unsworth to the ball; heading past Paddy Kenny from five yards and level the game. The game was still finely balanced, and after 43 minutes, Green was left rooted to his spot as only the woodwork saved his blushes. From a long Blades clearance, Norwich midfielder Andy Hughes headed the back into his own half and Webber found Shipperley, who latched onto a loose ball 30 yards from goal and sent in a fierce half volley. It looked a goal all the way, but with Green only able to watch, the ball bounced back off the inside of his right post and away. With only stoppage time remaining in the first half, Earnshaw put Norwich into an undeserved lead. Hughes played the ball back to Fleming on the right and he whipped in a testing ball to the far post and over the head of Craig Short for Earnshaw. The ball luckily hit the Welsh strikers’ thigh and straight past a despairing Kenny, to send the Canaries in with a half-time lead. At the start of the second half, United started the better with a move witch ended when the ball landed at the feet of Armstrong in the box, but his toe-poke on the turn finished wide. On 50 minutes, the Blades won a free kick just outside the box. But, Webber’s low effort was blocked by Earnshaw. On 54 minutes, the Canaries were forced into their first change of the afternoon. Paul McVeigh, who was carrying an injury to his back, was replaced by Youssef Safri. The Moroccan took his place in midfield and with Hughes moving on to the right. But while it was the Blades who were enjoying most of the possession, they were in general playing too to deep, and it was the Canaries looked more of a scoring threat at this stage. After 60 minutes, link-up play between Earnshaw and Huckerby almost saw Norwich score their third of the game. Earnshaw collected the ball on the halfway line before flicking it into Huckerby's path on the left. Huckerby, who had been a constant nuisance all afternoon, left two defenders before curling in a shot, which bobbled awkwardly in front of Kenny and he fumbled it over the bar. Soon after, Green had to be equally sharp to keep out a long range Tonge shot, which he had to collect at the second attempt. On 65 minutes, the Norwich keeper made an even better save from Webber, who drove low to his right after turning past Shackell with ease. On 69 minutes, Norwich made their second change of the afternoon, swapping McKenzie with Jonatan Johansson. After 73 minutes, Norwich gained a free-kick on the left of the Blades area. Huckerby's cross to the far post where it was headed back by Doherty, and Shackell sent a looping header against the frame of the goal with Kenny left flatfooted. With the game entering the final 10 minutes, Neil Warnock made a double switch with Akinbiyi coming on for Shipperley and Keith Gillespie replacing Nick Montgomery. The tension was mounting at Carrow Road with the news that Leeds were losing, and with the Blades desperate to get something from the match. And on 84 minutes it took some desperate Norwich defending to prevent Webber from tip-toeing through the box. It was to be Webber's last action of the match, with Bruce Dyer replacing the outstanding Blades striker. And in the dying seconds, Shackell made a goal-saving tackle on Akinbiyi to deny the Blades. It was only at the end we all discovered that Leeds had drawn and crept even closer in the Championship. But still, if United perform like this until the end of the season, they will win more games than they lose.
Michael Tonge, David Unsworth are all set to return to United's squad for the Championship match at Norwich City. Tonge has missed the last two matches through suspension. Alan Quinn could also return, but he remains a doubt due to his knee injury. Latest signing Chris Lucketti is hoping to make his first start since arriving from Preston last week. Boss Neil Warnock must decide who to partner in attack, with Danny Webber, Neil Shipperley, Ade Akinbiyi, Steven Kabba, Geoff Horsfield and Bruce Dyer all in contention. Paul Ifill is out of contention with an ear infection. For Norwich, Youssef Safri could make his first start in nearly a month. Safri has not started since hobbling out of the 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace but played the last six minutes of the Canaries 2-2 draw with Leeds and is in contention. Manager Nigel Worthington has no fresh injuries or suspensions, with the main question being what formation he will employ as at Elland Road he started with 4-5-1 but changed to 4-3-3 after going behind. The City chief could recall Robert Earnshaw for his usual 4-4-2 set-up.
Michael Tonge says too much is being made of United's poor recent form. The Blades have seen their second-place gap in the Championship table cut to five points after claiming just one win in their last seven league contests. The Blades midfielder believes promotion rivals Leeds United and Watford deserve more credit for having made the automatic promotion race a real contest. "We've done really well this season and I think it's only because we've had a few hiccups of late, that everyone is sort of pinpointing at it," Tonge told Sky Sports "It's always going to be difficult when it comes to this stage of the season. I think sometimes you've got to give teams like Leeds and Watford more credit than what they get because they've been on excellent runs. When teams go on runs like that, it's difficult to match them and keep so far ahead and I think they deserve some credit." After a disappointing defeat at Coventry City last Saturday, United need to win at Norwich City, and Tonge is confident of getting result at Carrow Road. "We've got to go there and just be positive and try and take the game to them," he added. It might be a bit easier for us because they're at home, they've got to come and make the play and hopefully, we can hit them on the break at little bit."
Defender Alan Wright is to stay on loan at Derby County for the rest of the season. Wright's initial one-month spell was due to end after Saturday's trip to Luton, but Rams interim manager Terry Westley has now moved to extend that deal until the end of the season. The Blades have a 24-hour recall clause if the 34-year-old is needed back at Bramall Lane.
United have allowed two of their young strikers to stay out for an additional month on loan at lower division clubs. Jonathan Forte has had his loan spell at Rotherham United extended until 11 April. Meanwhile, forward Colin Marrison will remain at League Two strugglers Bury until 17 April.
Brighton chairman Dick Knight has confirmed the club failed in a bid to lure Neil Shipperley to the south coast. The Seagulls, who have been attempting to land a striker since the season began, agreed a deal with Blades boss Neil Warnock but Shipperley declined the chance to head south. "Neil Warnock was happy for Shipperley to go but he wanted to stay at Sheffield United and now he's back in the team," said Knight. "That is the type of striker we wanted to get. You need quality strikers like that in this division."
Boss Neil Warnock has explained his reason for leaving David Unsworth out last weekend. The Blades defender was left out of the 16 that travelled to Coventry City. But Warnock commented: "Last week I decided that David wouldn't be in the 16 as I wanted to try something tactically with three up front. "I told him to stay behind as there's no point having an experienced player twiddling his thumbs in the stands. But he will be involved at Norwich as I told him he would be."
Man of The Match: Nick Montgomery.
The Blades automatic promotion received another blow at Coventry today, after a 0-2 defeat to an average Sky Blues team. There was more than 5200 Unitedites in the Ricoh Arena hoping to cheer the Blades on to a victory, but it all ended in disappointment and the doom and gloom merchants will have another field day as goals from Gary McSheffrey and Dele Adebola sank United. Yet again boss Neil Warnock shuffled his pack, Craig Short, Nick Montgomery and Neil Shipperley all returning to the starting line-up. Shipperley joined Danny Webber and Ade Akinbiyi in attack. But the shock was seeing Phil Jagielka who was positioned at right-back! Jagielka who had last week been named the Championship player of the year for his performance in midfield - started the game at right-back and was quickly switched to left-back! Where was David Unsworth! These defensive changes, along with poor defending in general, undoubtedly contributed to United's downfall today and Coventry took full advantage of the situation. Micky Adams had made just one change for the visit of the Blades, with Gary McSheffrey returning from suspension to replace Andy Morrell in the Coventry starting line-up. As early as the second minute Dele Adebola was clear through on United's goal, and a player with more pace would have tested Paddy Kenny but Short raced back to prevent a meaningful shot. After just 6 minutes the Sky Blues went ahead. Blades skipper Chris Morgan failed to get anything on a back header following Robert Page's throughball and McSheffrey nipped in to stab the ball past Kenny to get the Sky Blues off to a flier. In the 15th minute, McSheffrey was presented with another chance six yards out but did not connect with his attempted back flick from a Stern John knockdown. While Coventry certainly had had the better of the opening 20 minutes, United fought their way back into the match and went close when Akinbiyi headed down Jagielka's cross for Shipperley to fire over and the big striker also had a half-chance moments later, heading at goalkeeper Marton Fulop from Gary Flitcroft's cross. But any hopes of an equliser were blown away when on 32 minutes; Coventry claimed a second following a routine move. Marcus Hall whipped a menacing low cross from the left and Adebola finished superbly, dispatching the ball into the far corner with right-footed strike. Shortly after, a corner by Dennis Wise almost brought Coventry a third but McSheffrey's effort was saved by Kenny. Then, Morgan fired wide after Derek Geary's through ball, and in the last chance of the half; Coventry had a chance when Wise fed John but his flick was turned around Kenny's post. It was clearly United's formation which was the reason for the two goal deficit and the Blades boss quickly changed things around for the start of the second half. Rob Kozluk replacing Flitcroft and the formation reverted back to 4-4-2 with Jagielka thankfully taking up his usual position in midfield. United were now facing an uphill task and with the news that Leeds were winning the Unitedites in the crowd were starting to feel a little anxious. But, the Blades certainly threatened in the opening 15 minutes of the second half with Montgomery in top form helping to peg the Sky Blues back, but some fine defending from Page and Shaw ensured that the Sky Blues keeper was not really tested. The lack of goalmouth action from United led Warnock into another switch with the ineffective Akinbiyi replaced by Steven Kabba and it was not long until United's best opportunity presented itself. Chris Armstrong sliced a Webber pass and Jagielka raced into the box but pulled his shot wide of the goal. After 83 minutes, Geoff Horsfield came on for a Shipperley was finally running out of steam - but had done well, as United desperately tried to find a way back. Micky Adams made a couple of changes for Coventry, with Don Hutchison replacing the influential McSheffrey and Andy Morrell replacing the livewire John. But for all United's second half pressing, Coventry's last line of defence was rarely seriously tested and looked comfortable despite being on the back foot for most of the half. Late-on, Geary had a speculative long range shot and Webber went down in the box with appeals for a penalty. What disappointment today had been, and Blades fans made the journey home discussing why Jagielka had played at right-back and then left-back. The fans gave their support in numbers today, but were it has to be said - let down. But, we are still 5 points clear of Leeds and we must go for a victory next week at Norwich and definitely beat Southampton a week later. Keep the faith - we can still do it.
Defender Chris Lucketti could be in line for his Sheffield United debut when the Blades travel to Coventry City tomorrow. Lucketti, who was signed from Preston on Wednesday will compete with Craig Short to partner Chris Morgan in defence. Michael Tonge is absent through suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season against QPR. Leigh Bromby is out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury, while Alan Quinn faces two weeks out with an ankle injury. There will also be 5000 Unitedites following the team down to The Rioch Arena, and will be right behind the team thoughout. Coventry will have winger Gary McSheffrey back after serving a suspension but Stephen Hughes is ruled out by an Achilles tendon injury.
United have signed Preston's Chris Lucketti until the end of the season to plug the gap left by the injured Leigh Bromby. The 34-year-old played under Warnock at Bury and was linked with a move to Bramall Lane during the January transfer window. Luckett is undergoing a medical and the move is expected to be made permanent at the end of the season, possibly costing the Blades in excess of £300,000. Lucketti will go straight into the Blades squad for the trip to Coventry City.
Leigh Bromby has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. The Blades defender was forced off after an hour of last week's goalless draw with Crewe and the initial prognosis was that he would return in April. However, the 25-year-old saw a specialist on Tuesday night and now faces a season-ending operation.
Phil Jagielka has been crowned the best player outside of the Premiership at the inaugural Football League awards in London. The 23-year-old received the Championship Player of the Year award by virtue of being voted in the number one spot in FourFourTwo magazine's top 50 players in the Football League. Jagielka overcame the challenge from last year's top player, Steve Sidwell of Reading, and Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson, to claim the number one spot. Jagielka said: "It's a great accolade, given all the top quality players that are in the FourFourTwo list, be it goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders or forwards. It helps that Sheffield United have done so well this year, as it's put us in the limelight a bit more, but I've been pleased with my input."
Leigh Bromby has been ruled out for up to six weeks after scans have revealed knee ligament damage. The 25-year-old sustained the injury in Friday's goalless draw with Crewe and manager Neil Warnock's worst fears have been realised. To compound Warnock's troubles midfielder Alan Quinn has also been ruled out of Saturday's trip to Coventry. Quinn limped out of the action at the Lane with an ankle injury expected to keep him on the sidelines for a fortnight. Craig SHort is still out, but Neil Warnock still has Neill Collins to provide additional centre back cover and several options in midfield for Quinn's absence.
Phil Jagielka denies United are about to bottle their chances of automatic promotion. The Blades have taken only six points from their last six matches and their gap over third-placed Leeds has been cut to six points, with the Elland Road side having a game in hand. "We'd like as big a lead as possible but we've not performed quite so well over the last few games," said Jagielka. "But we've still got a lead and that's how we've got to look at it. If you'd have offered us that lead at the start of the season we'd have bitten your hand off. We just need to get our confidence back and score a couple of goals and the points will build up again. We've still got to play Leeds, but there are a lot of points to play for before then for both teams. They will see that game as a chance to take points off us, but we'll be confident we can knock them three points further back."
Neil Warnock called for elite referees to take charge of Championship games after Ade Akinbiyi was denied a late penalty during the goalless draw against Crewe. Akinbiyi was clearly pulled back by defender Madjid Bougherra in the dying moments at the Lane but stayed on his feet, with referee Kevin Wright then refusing to award a spot-kick. The goalless draw against the league's bottom side, which was the only fixture in the top two divisions, means United's cushion over third-placed Watford is only eight points as teams jostle for the top two places that secure automatic promotion. "I don't understand why we don't get Premiership referees when there are no other games," Warnock said. "I don't understand why we have to give experience for a match on television. Are we doing it for the guys at the Football Association or Football League? If you've got referees of the standard we are getting, if they can't see legitimate free-kicks then do managers have to teach players to cheat?" .
Man of The Match: Chris Armstrong.
United's stuttering campaign towards automatic promotion suffered a setback in the snow and ice at Bramall Lane, where bottom club Crewe earned a point in their bid for safety. The Blades enjoyed possession and the majority of chances; it was the Railwaymen who had clearer sights of goal. Alan Quinn, Danny Webber and Garry Flitcroft all went close for the Blades, but it was Gareth Taylor who spurned the most promising opportunity of the match when he got behind United’s defence just before the break. Despite United’s inconsistent recent form, they looked in control initially, with Quinn's volley curling wide in the opening minute after Keith Gillespie's cross was not cleared. Quinn, one of the many changes Warnock made to his starting line-up, showed early composure on the slippery surface and found Phil Jagielka on the edge of the area, who drilled a right-footed shot just wide. Webber was a lively presence in the opening half, forcing Crewe goalkeeper Ross Turnbull into two saves, the first after taking advantage of indecision in the penalty area. The impressive Blades striker also drilled wide after 24 minutes and saw an effort repelled later in the opening half after turning sharply inside the penalty area. Quinn had another opportunity 11 minutes from the break but shot straight at Turnbull after twisting to find room on the edge of the area, but for the entire Blades possession, it was the visitors who had the clearest sight of goal in the first half. Crewe defender Madjid Bougherra punted a ball beyond the United defence and Taylor shot into the side netting with just goalkeeper Paddy Kenny to beat. After 50 minutes, Paul Ifill replaced to the injured Quinn. The move did little initially, with Crewe midfielder Steve Jones getting a sight on goal before lifting his shot over the crossbar from outside the area. But the Blades then put the pressure on their lowly opponents, with Chris Armstrong driving into the area and getting his effort deflected wide. From the resulting set-piece Chris Morgan's volley was deflected over. Flitcroft completed the trio of chances within a minute by lashing wide after Turnbull had shown bravery to smother Webber's close-range effort after Gillespie's corner had caused chaos. Ifill forced Turnbull into a save after 62 minutes following an exciting run on the left, while Leigh Bromby was taken off shortly after to be replaced by Nick Montgomery. Steven Kabba was brought on for Gillespie with 20 minutes left as Warnock looked to chase the game, but it was Crewe who had the next chance. Luke Rodgers found room six yards out after 72 minutes but smashed his effort into the side netting. Ade Akinbiyi had a late chance but he shot over the bar, and the Blades striker also had a clear penalty claim waved away when he was held back by Bougherra, just 8 yards from goal. And late on, Akinbiyi was the menace again when he had a header cleared off the line by Kenny Lunt in a massive goal mouth scramble. Turnbull also smothered the ball as Akinbiyi challenged in injury time.
Neil Warnock will check on the fitness of Leigh Bromby (groin), Alan Quinn (leg) and Craig Short (hamstring) before naming his side to face Crewe. The trio are still struggling to recover from minor injuries and could miss out again, along with striker Bruce Dyer. Dyer missed last Saturday's 3-2 defeat to QPR after sustaining an injury in training and faces a race against time to be ready for selection again. Warnock, though, has plenty of attacking options at his disposal for the visit of rock-bottom Crewe with Geoff Horsfield the favourite to partner Ade Akinbiyi. Crewe manager Dario Gradi will have Billy Jones back from suspension for match at the Lane. The midfielder missed the 2-1 win over Brighton through suspension and may struggle to regain his place from Tony Grant, who impressed on his debut. Fellow midfielder Gary Roberts is likely to be rested with a back problem but striker Luke Rodgers is back in contention after missing last weekend with a dead leg, similar to the injury that is keeping David Vaughan on the sidelines. Defender Adie Moses is back in training after hamstring trouble but along with Darren Moss (thigh) and Eddie Johnson (ankle) is unlikely to feature.
Manager Neil Warnock has issued a rallying call to Unitedites as he attempts to get the Baldes promotion push back on track. United have won only once in their last five matches and the gap between them and third-placed Watford is down to seven points. Warnock has urged fans to make the most of their remaining matches at Bramall Lane this season and not turn their frustrations on to the players. "During these final five home fixtures I think that whatever deficiencies fans believe they see in our team should be instantly forgotten," he said. "When a player makes a bad pass our fans should react in the opposite way and give that player even more encouragement to try and help him overcome any anxiety he might feel."