A quintet of Blades will be heading off to represent their countries following Saturday's clash with WBA, as the first international week of the season fast approaches.

Northern Ireland have called for the services of Blades striker Jamie Ward ahead of their two crucial qualifiers against Poland and Slovakia.

Ward will be hoping to make his international debut after being an unused substitute when he last linked up with Nigel Worthington's squad.

Ched Evans has been named in the Wales U21 squad for their UEFA Qualifier against Italy at Swansea City's Liberty Stadium, a game that will take place on Friday 4 September.

Evans will be hoping to follow up on his last international appearance, when he netted twice against Hungary U21's at Wrexham.

David Carney, fresh from his wonder goal against the Republic of Ireland last time out in Limerick, will travel with Australia when they play Korea Republic in Seoul on Saturday week.

Meanwhile, Justin Haber faces a double header as Malta play Cape Verde in a friendly before hosting Sweden in a 2010 World Cup qualifier.