Wilson is backing McAllister to fill boots of injured McDonald

McDonald has been struggling all week due to the ankle injury which forced him to limp off in last weekend’s win at Carlisle United and could face a spell on the sidelines.

Blades’ medical staff are still waiting for the swelling to go down before assessing the full extent of his problem, with the Scot also receiving treatment for a strained ligament.

The former Scotland Under-21 international has been a big player for United this term, having been an ever-present in the league, while his absences last season were keenly felt, most notably in the League One play-off final when he was missing with a hamstring injury.

Wilson said: “We have got a few more options now and a few of the younger lads have come to the fore a little bit more. With what we have got in the squad, we can cope with it, but hopefully not for too long a period of time because Kevin is instrumental to what we do and a big player to how we want to play.

“He is a miss, but we do feel we can get along without him, if need be.”

Versatile David McAllister, who came on for McDonald after 48 minutes at Brunton Park, is favourite to keep hold of his place, with Wilson delighted with the Irishman’s impact of late.

He added: “At this moment in time, David is a major part of the squad.

“He has been great in covering positions so far this season and at times like this, he throws his marker down. He has never let us down once when he has come in.”

The fitness of Tony McMahon and Dave Kitson will be assessed today, with Blades players taking part in just light training yesterday due to the frozen conditions which affected their Shirecliffe training ground.

But it is unlikely they will feature against Ronnie Moore’s Rovers.