Kevin Blackwell has conceded that James Beattie is still battling for full fitness after his summer knee operation.

Last season's leading goalscorer completed his first full 90 minutes of the season in Saturday's devastating 1-0 defeat at Norwich on Saturday.

Speaking after the game at Carrow Road, the United boss said: "Beatts isn't quite right yet, we know that, but he has to play until we can get Darius Henderson fit.

"The more minutes he gets under his belt the sharper he will become but some of his decision making with some of his passes were just off and that is the sign of a tired player.

"He's given us everything he's got and I can't complain."