Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom admits they're short of numbers after defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

The Blades had four academy players on the bench for their Premier League opener.

Heckingbottom said: "It's obvious. That's not the story.

"The story is that's where we are at the minute, but we're only going to improve. We've sold players so we have got the money to spend to bring players in.

“I can't be critical, I think we needed the first goal if I am honest. We compromised the way we wanted to play with the difference in the team. But I felt by being disruptive and aggressive, we had an impact on the game, especially in the second half.

“To concede the first goal so early in the second half made it difficult. These are a well-established team, they have experience, they have some real quality. I have not come away from there scared and the players shouldn't either."