Sheffield United keeper Paddy Kenny has returned to full training at Bramall Lane in preparation for the end of his nine-month drugs ban. The 31 year old failed a drugs test after last season's play-off semi-final win over Preston and although cleared of intentionally cheating after taking cough medicine to combat a chest infection, he was subsequently suspended by the Football Association.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell said: "It's great to have him back and nice to see him here with a bright, bubbly smile which has lit the place up.

"But the ban hit him hard and it must be a great weight off his shoulders for it to be almost over.

"It hit everybody out of the blue just before the start of this season and I hope that it will be a lesson learned for everyone."

Blackwell, who warned Kenny may not appear in the first team this season, added: "A year is a long time to be out and we'll try and arrange two or three behind-closed-doors games for him just in case we have to call on him. Steve Simonsen is here for a month anyway and we will monitor the situation."