The contribution that Blades midfielder James Harper can make to the team's promotion push will be decided this week as he bids to return to fitness.

He has missed the last two fixtures because of an ankle problem, the extent of which should be known in the next couple of days.

"He is with our physio Paul Teather and seeing a specialist tonight. After that we will evaluate it but it is one of those tricky ones that could see him out for the season or just a day or two, we don't know, and that's why we need to have a look at it," said assistant manager Sam Ellis.

The former Reading man has been a fixture in United's engine-room all season and recently appeared to show signs of adapting to his role in the team, and Ellis added:

"He will be a miss, for sure, because we feel that he has been improving all season and we had got him to the point where he was hitting his best form - that is the really frustrating part."