After a stop-start beginning to his Blades career Ryan France is hoping to prove his worth to Kevin Blackwell over the coming weeks and his versatility could be invaluable.

France replaced the injured Nick Montgomery against Doncaster Rovers and played his part in a Blades revival that secured a point going into the international break.

The former Hull man is now looking to force his way into United's starting XI, but concedes Montgomery's loss will be a big blow:

"It was good that we managed to pull ourselves back into the game against Doncaster, but our performance deserved more.

"Personally I did OK, but it is unfortunate that my chance came after Monty was injured because we will miss him. His work-rate is different class and as a ball winner he is up there as one of the best."

France adds: "For me it is a chance to hopefully get in the team and perform. Everybody wants to play and I am no different. With the team playing like they have done I have had to bide my time and now it is upto the manager."

Looking ahead to the resumption of United's Championship campaign, France is urging his team-mates to hit the ground running but admits facing Scunthorpe will be no stroll in the park:

"After the international break it always seems like the games come thick and fast. We need to start this next sequence well and give ourselves a platform to build on.

"Scunthorpe are a good side, especially at Glanford Park, so we know that we will have to be on our game to get all three points."