Kitson’s contribution hailed by Blades chief

The Blades chief has kept the tinkering to a minimum so far this term, with goalkeeper Mark Howard and four outfield players – Tony McMahon, Harry Maguire, Neill Collins and Kevin McDonald – having started all 11 league and cup games so far in 2012-13.

Another, top-scorer Nick Blackman, has been a league ever-present with the consistency in selection serving the Blades well, according to Wilson, whose side sit in sixth position in the League One table.

He said: “I am happy with where we are in the table and with performances.

“Obviously, I know we could have been six points better off. We drew three games we really should have won, but we are doing okay.

“The big plus for us at the moment is that we are getting consistency in team selection.

“That is important because it gives the lads the best opportunity of developing an understanding on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Wilson is confident there is plenty more to come from veteran striker Dave Kitson, now fully in his stride after boosting his match fitness levels and buoyed by successive goals in his past two matches against Hartlepool United and Notts County.

He said: “Who knows what Dave is capable of contributing? He is such a good striker who gives us goals and a great physical presence up front.

“He had to work on his fitness levels when he first came here. But he has just come through two games in four days very well.

“He is determined to do well here and we always thought he had the quality to make a big impact.”

Today’s opponents Orient, who drew 1-1 with United in East London just over 12 months ago, have won four of their past six matches and lost just once, with Wilson expecting an arduous afternoon against the O’s managed by ex-Blades caretaker-boss Russell Slade.

Wilson added: “It is going to be a very tough game.

“Orient will be a big test. They are in top form and they will make it difficult for us.”