Bartley stands out in Sheffield United defeat

Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Preston has left them a point shy of the play-off positions but the Blades chief claimed: "We should have got something out of the game, that's for sure."

Blackwell's 18-year-old debutant Bartley, signed on a three-month loan from Arsenal, cut an assured figure at the heart of the defence and the manager said: "He's only 18 but I thought he did terrifically well against big Jon Parkin.

"Arsenal rate him highly and he only arrived at the hotel in the morning of the game, but because of our injury crisis I had to throw him in."

Blackwell, who expects goalkeeper Mark Bunn to be out for around six weeks with a broken hand, added: "The problem at the moment is that we are throwing players together."

Debutant Manchester United youngster Matthew James struck a fortuitous early strike for Preston when his low 20-yard shot deflected off Blades defender Nyron Nosworthy and then wrongfooted goalkeeper Ian Bennett.

Barnsley product Parkin added the second in the 71st minute, tucking away the rebound after his penalty was saved by Bennett before United winger Mark Yeates grabbed a late consolation with his first goal for the club.

Blackwell added: "I thought the referee had a big influence on the shape of the game.

"For the penalty, Nyron Nosworthy used his body to get between Welbeck and himself. It's on the DVD so I know what I'm talking about.

"But we had some chances second half and really should have finished them off."