Returning Beattie hopes he has big part to play in Blades’ promotion bid

The former England international, 33, had been training with the Blades for the last two weeks but is now eligible for tomorrow’s League One game at Chesterfield.

“I am a bit further down the line but I still have a lot to offer,” he insisted last night. “This is the first step towards playing again on a regular basis.”

Beattie was released by Scottish club Rangers last summer but had played only seven times last season due to injuries and loss of fortune.

He scored 34 goals in 65 games during his last spell with the Blades and his sale to Stoke City in January 2009 sparked anger among the club’s supporters who felt it signified a loss of ambition at boardroom level.

The Blades were relegated from the Championship last season and Beattie’s return is designed to bolster a push for an immediate return.

“I am delighted to be back and I am thankful to the club and the gaffer (Danny Wilson) for giving me the opportunity,” he said. “It’s a club I hold dear to my heart. I had some good times here and got on great with the fans.

“I have signed a short-term deal until January because I have not really played that much in the last 18 months. We have decided to go that way which is good for the club and good for myself. It’s a sensible approach to take.”

Beattie has accepted a massive drop in wages to play again for the Blades who are under pressure to balance the books.

Winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s loan deal with the club now appears to be over after he suffered a freak knee injury during the warm-up for a reserve game this week.

He had recently gone back to parent club Wolves for treatment on a hamstring injury.

Blades manager Wilson said: “It is a massive blow for us and the lad who was desperate to get back involved. We brought him back on Monday to play in the reserve game and within a minute his knee locked up while he was stretching. We have now found out that there is a problem with his cartilage and he goes in for an operation very soon.”

Sheffield Wednesday manager Gary Megson opted against further additions to his squad yesterday after signing Arsenal striker Sanchez Watt, Newcastle defender James Tavernier, and Blackpool defender Miguel Llera in the last week.

Winger Sam Wood joined Rotherham United on loan from Brentford until January 9 and midfielder Oliver Banks went on loan to Buxton. Former Hamilton Academical defender David Elebert was not offered a contract by the Millers.