Boost for Sheffield United as Bob Harris returns to training

The 28-year-old defender has not played since the 1-0 home win over Oldham on December 5.

He has only featured in seven games all season, and Blades manager Nigel Adkins hopes to have Harris back competing for a first-team spot next month.

“Bob is back in training,” said Adkins. “It was his first session today. We’ll see how long he takes.

“We’re just pleased to have him out there and, all being well, he’s come away from the session without injury.

“It was a good training session and the quality was excellent.”

Kieron Freeman is the latest United player to be linked with a move from Bramall Lane as United look to trim their squad.

The defender has been linked with several clubs, including Scottish side Kilmarnock.

“Kieron, like a lot of players, will want to play,” said Adkins. “I’m sure he’ll want to play football? Who knows? He might want to do that somewhere else.

“There have been clubs who have shown an interest. I have total empathy for players who aren’t playing. They should want to go and play.

“John Brayford is playing right-back at the moment. The club spent a lot of money bringing him in and he’s been doing very well. John Brayford has got the shirt.”

United host Swindon on Saturday in League One, after three successive away games, and Adkins is looking forward to getting back to Bramall Lane.

He said: “The lads have done well on the training ground.

“There have been three away games in the space of a week and that’s always difficult for everyone so well done and thanks to the fans.

“It’s always challenging and the lads have put a lot of effort in.

“We had a game for the lads who haven’t been involved and there’s been a good spirit on the training ground. The quality out there today was excellent.”