Sheffield United chances hinge on fit squad

After months of frustration caused by injuries, suspensions, or player departures, manager Blackwell saw enough evidence at Bramall Lane to provide reason for fresh optimism.

Ignoring the absence of striker Darius Henderson, who started a three-game ban, Blackwell had, arguably, his strongest side available.

Going into the final 13 games of the season, that is a major boost for the Blades who are only a point adrift of the play-off zone.

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"Keeping that team fit is now going to be the key," he said. "Our results have proved that we don't have the depth of squad to handle any injuries but, if we can avoid them, it looks like a team. I have been trying to get a settled XI all season but only once have we put out an unchanged side – and that lasted 20 minutes at Nottingham Forest. We have been building on the hoof all the time but we showed character against Plymouth and we have learned about each other."

A staggering total of 20 players have made their debuts for the Blades this season, comfortably higher than any of the other clubs in the top eight of the Championship. Figures compiled by the Blades show that only Newcastle United (10) and Blackpool (12) have come anywhere close.

"I only brought in a couple of players during the whole of last season and I knew how the others already at the club could handle what and when," said Blackwell. "This season, we have had eight or nine players more on loan than any other club so I am still learning who can handle the pressure.

"But, if that performance today is anything to go by, I think they could do rather well."

Blackwell admitted his players still needed to learn an important lesson from the victory after clinging on in a game where they led 3-0.

"Sometimes you have to go through those situations to learn things," he said. "We should have killed that game off but we got sloppy and people made poor decisions by being too relaxed and not being focused.

"It's been a long struggle this season but we are still sitting seventh or eighth in the table and that is credit to the players.

"On the first half performance, I would say that team is good enough to beat anyone. "