Nick Montgomery, so often the butt of the crowd's frustration, has received a plaudit from his manager to cap a period of games in which the player has produced form that has had even his harshest critics eating their words.

"It is a shame that some people still criticise him, and I hear callers on radio shows complaining and they obviously just do not understand what he does for us," claims Kevin Blackwell, adding:

"He closes down, puts tackles in, covers others, pressurises opponents and covers the ground which creates time, space and opportunity for others in the side to make the most of their abilities.

"Alright, he isn't the best passer in the team but if he could pass the ball like David Beckham as well he wouldn't be here playing for Sheffield United.

Blackwell has restored Montgomery to the team and seen him hold on to his place as the team's heartbeat in front of the back four:

"I am delighted with how he is playing at the moment because he has rammed the stick he has been given back down people's throats.

"Some of the passes he played with the outside of his right foot against Birmingham were sublime. He works his socks off, is a great club man and football needs more Nick Montgomerys."