Doncaster Rovers v Sheffield United: Sharp is raring to shine under spotlight

Sharp was born and raised in Sheffield and is still a Blades supporter but struggled to score goals during two spells at Bramall Lane.

He was sold to Rovers for 1.1m this summer after spending the majority of last season on loan at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll said: "He was like a man possessed when we played Sheffield Wednesday last season – so I dread to think what he's going to be like against Sheffield United. Whatever he says, it's still his team. He is still a Blade through and through."

Sharp, 24, managed only 13 goals in 66 appearances for the Blades but has scored 20 in just 47 for Rovers and bagged 56 during a two-season stay at Scunthorpe United

A fall-out with former manager Kevin Blackwell hardly helped his career with the Blades but O'Driscoll thinks Sharp's game is about more than just scoring goals.

"Even when he was scoring goals last season, I said all along that I would take Billy Sharp even if he never scored another goal because he was terrorising back fours by himself. He gives centre-halves stick and they give him stick.

"Is he mature? No," added O'Driscoll. "Is he bouncy, hyper-active, and great to have around the place? Yes. He never shuts up, he always wants to train, score goals, and do extra."

O'Driscoll opted to omit Sharp from a game against the Blades last season despite there being nothing in the loan agreement which stated he was not allowed to play.

"He was gutted not to play last season, probably because Kevin (Blackwell) was in charge," said O'Driscoll. "But football is trying to get some respect back.

"We couldn't put Billy against the club that loaned us the player. It would have been the wrong thing to do."

Sharp scored twice against Scunthorpe last weekend and will be looking to add to his tally of five for the season today.

"I am sure he will know all their players and they will know him inside out," said O'Driscoll. "I am sure they will be winding him up and they will know what triggers they have to pull to get Billy to react. He has never played against them before so it is great for him and it makes the game special. I think he will enjoy it."

Rovers are just one point ahead of the Blades but have collected only two points from the last three home games.

The Blades are seeking back-to-back victories for the first time this season but with many supporters opting to watch the game live on BBC 2, there were still over 5,000 tickets for the game unsold last night.

Former Barnsley defender Dennis Souza has been training with Rovers this week in an attempt to win a contract.