Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell has called on Blades fans to understand how the current injury crisis is affecting the club. The Blades, decimated by injuries in recent weeks, have slipped to 13th in the table having won only one of their last seven league matches and Blackwell has called on supporters to give players drafted in on loan more time to settle.

"The fans have been brilliant since I came. Some you can never please, but you get people like that in all walks of life, but I understand their frustration," Blackwell said. "The new lads need to be given patience and understanding. We will be ok, we're just going through a bit of a lull."

He added: "We have over half a team who are trying to get to grips with each other, with how we are meant to be playing and worrying about getting their own game right.

"Believe me, that isn't easy and it isn't anybody's fault that our injury problems have brought the situation about."