Colchester v Sheffield United: Blades need to play positively despite position, says Clough

The Blades have spent most of the season sitting in or just above the relegation zone in League One.

A wretched start that yielded just five points from the first 11 games has seen to that. Now, though, there is a new sense of positivity around Bramall Lane after a spectacular upturn in form.

Not only are the Blades through to the FA Cup quarter-finals but a trio of consecutive wins have helped lift Clough’s men to 17th, their joint-highest standing since the first week or so of the season.

“We are three points off the bottom four so there is nothing to be complacent about,” said the Blades chief.

“We are in the midst of a good run but we have to continue with that. The key is to fight and scrap for everything because of the position we are in.

“But also it is important not to play like a team in relegation trouble. We have to play with positivity.”

United’s FA Cup victory at 
Colchester in November was only Clough’s third game at the helm.

Now, he has been in charge for 23 games and just five of those have been lost – a remarkable turnaround.

Clough added: “It is a pleasing record, but we are still fighting to get up the table. We know from the Cup tie down there that it will be a tough League One match.”

Stephen McGinn is out with a back problem, while Ryan Flynn – who Clough is keen to tie down beyond the end of this season, when the winger’s contract runs out – is a minor doubt after being substituted in the weekend win over Bristol City with a knee injury.

Clough, meanwhile, has rubbished speculation that the Blades are interested in Egyptian midfielder Ibrahim Salah.

Last six games: Colchester United DWWLDL, Sheffield United LWWWWW.

Last time: Colchester United 2 Sheffield United 3; November 9, 2013; FA Cup.

Referee: G Scott (Oxfordshire).