Jamie Ward's call-up to the full Northern Ireland squad for their next two home World Cup Qualifiers will strengthen his claims for a place in the Blades line-up, and has pleased Kevin Blackwell:

"I'm delighted about it. Ireland boss Nigel Worthington spoke to Sam Ellis and myself last week so we knew it might be in the offing.

"The way he came on and impressed at QPR a week ago showed he is now a real Championship player. He works off the ball, can change things on the pitch and has improved no end since he came.

"Jamie seems to me like a lad who accepts challenges and he will continue to get better because of it so his future looks bright. The lads welcomed him with open arms, he is comfortable here and he has the hunger to go places."

The 22 year old signed from Chesterfield in January and although he had been a regular for the Spireites he was facing a significant step-up of two divisions with United:

"I saw things him but you never know for sure how quickly a young player can take things on and prove himself, but he has in a short space of time.

"He buzzes around opponents and although it is a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence he stays on the right side of the line."