Kevin Blackwell has praised the efforts of James Beattie and Stephen Quinn who have both played a big part in United's recent impressive spell of results.

Whilst the youngster Quinn is still making his way in the game - and impressing in the 4-3-3 system - the Blades boss knows he has the finished article in the England International striker:

"We didn't receive any offers for him in the summer which I was surprised about and I hope we don't get any in the future.

"He is very happy here and he gives us something different to anyone else in the Championship.

"He can hold the ball up, flick it on, he's good in the air and he can score from inside the six yard box, things that other strikers might be able to do one or two of. But when you can put all of them in one package you have someone special."

Meanwhile, Irish midfielder Stephen Quinn - who has maintained his place in the starting eleven amidst fierce competition - has received encouragement from Blackwell who insists that he will stay on Quinn's case:

"He has done very well and although he is not yet the finished article, if he is big enough, bright enough and brave enough to keep learning he will make a good career for himself."