Midfielder Stephen Quinn has is asking Sheffield United to stand by stopper Paddy Kenny as his career hangs in the balance. The 31-year-old saw his appeal against a nine-month ban for failing a drugs test rejected by the Football Association.

Kenny tested positive after the Championship play-off clash with Preston last summer, but has always maintained he took the banned substance unwittingly in a cold remedy.

The Republic of Ireland international cannot even train with the Blades until his suspension ends in April.

Quinn hopes Kenny, who has been at Bramall Lane since 2002, will be offered fresh terms by the club despite his lengthy absence.

Quinn said: "It is a terrible time for Paddy and I feel so sorry for him.

"The least the club could do is stick by him."