Kevin Blackwell is continuing to strive to get the best out of Jamie Ward.

The diminutive striker was withdrawn at half-time in Tuesday evening's encounter at Watford as the Blades chief thought that Mark Yeates could be more of a threat at Vicarage Road.

Speaking in the build up to Saturday's Championship encounter with Derby, Blackwell said: "It was a tactical switch at Watford. I thought Mark could give us more in the game in the second half and his deliveries into the box were good.

"But Jamie is also a quality player. We haven't seen what he is capable of in recent weeks but he is still better than most. That is a comment from a manager about a player who he wants to get the best out of.

"I'm pleased with his progress when you look at where he has come from in a short space of time - he's acquitted himself well, but there is more to come from Jamie Ward and I'll keep demanding it, week after week."