Blades squad can make the difference '“ Wilder

January recruits like Samir Carruthers, Jay O’Shea, James Hanson and Joe Riley have not only bolstered the numbers at Bramall Lane, but increased the quality.

The new faces have allowed Wilder to rotate some of his players over recent weeks, to share the workload.

And the United manager believes that could be crucial with just 13 games remaining in the battle for promotion to the Championship.

Last weekend’s draw with Scunthorpe United left the Blades five points clear of the Iron, and seven ahead of Saturday’s opponents Bolton Wanderers.

The latter have two games in hand on the South Yorkshire club, meaning Saturday’s game at Bramall Lane could have huge importance on both side’s promotion aspirations.

“I have never looked at it as 11 plus three, I have always looked at it as 20-odd,” said Wilder. “Through experience, playing and managing, the boys that play the eights, 10s and 15s (games) are vital to you.

“Whey they come in – and you mix the team up through injuries, suspensions or loss of form – it’s important your performance levels, and results, don’t dip.

“If you talk to our boys, it isn’t a case of “them and us”. They understand the importance of a squad, a group effort.

“I see other clubs and think mentally a lot of players and teams will be tired now, physically too have injuries. They may have numbers, but do they have balance in their squad?”

Bolton arrive at Bramall Lane unbeaten in their last four outings, but needed a Gary Madine equaliser to rescue a point at Bradford City last weekend.

The Bantams are sixth, occupying the final play-off spot, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Port Vale.

They have not won in their last four outings – drawing three –leaving McCall urging his side to tighten up defensively.

“We know we must toughen up defensively but that is something we will be working on,” he said. “If we can put in attacking displays like we did last Saturday (against Bolton), but strengthen up and toughen up in defence, we are still going to have a great season.”