Keith Gillespie has been allowed to join fellow Championship outfit Charlton Athletic on loan.

He switches to The Valley until 3rd January 2009 with United holding a recall clause after 28 days.

Winger Gillespie, 33, has not featured recently and his only first team appearance for the Blades this season came as a substitute in the home draw with Coventry City.

Boss Kevin Blackwell commented: "It's a chance for Keith to get his league career going again, he's been unfortunate because we are very strong down the right with the likes of Cotterill, Halford and Dyer, but he has been playing well for Northern Ireland."

The Blades beat Charlton 5-2 at the weekend, a game which cost Addicks boss Alan Pardew his job.

Phil Parkinson has been placed in temporary charge at The Valley and Gillespie is his first signing as he looks to drag the London club away from the bottom three.