Sheffield United v Leicester City: Collins back at Blades for 'unfinished business'

Collins played two games on loan for the Blades six years ago and even helped the club to a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on his debut.

His first move, however, was always a short-term fix and, after playing in a home defeat against Queens Park Rangers, he returned to his parent club Sunderland.

Now 27, Collins has joined the Blades on a permanent deal from Leeds United who paid 500,000 for his services last summer. The fee involved has not been revealed but is likely to be in that region again.

"Obviously, I have been here before so, in a way, this is unfinished business for me," he said last night. "I have good memories of that short spell, especially the win at Sheffield Wednesday, so it is good to be back and hopefully I can go on and achieve more than I did then."

Blades manager Micky Adams was keen to bolster a defence that is desperately short of experience in the absence of injured centre-backs Chris Morgan and Nyron Nosworthy.

Although midfielder Michael Doyle joined the club on a permanent deal from Coventry City last week, Collins is the first cash signing since Adams's appointment as manager five games ago.

"I am thankful that the club has allowed me to bring in a player on a permanent deal," said Adams. "Neill is someone we identified as a competitive centre-half with leadership qualities and who knows this division."

Arsenal youngster Kyle Bartley was released from his season-long loan deal and has joined Rangers.

Striker Daniel Bogdanovic, meanwhile, rejected a move yesterday to Scottish club Hibernian.

The Maltese international has only started one game since Adams took over and is likely to be on the bench again tonight against Leicester City, the club Adams guided to the Premier League in 2003.

Adams said: "It will be a massive test against a club that has been paying a lot of money to sign Premier League players."

Last six games: Blades LLDLDL Leicester WWDDLW.

Last time: Blades 1 Leicester 1; August 18, 2009, Championship.

Referee: D Webb (Co Durham).