Sheffield United v Huddersfield Town: Williams to assist Blades’ attempt to stay at summit

Manager Danny Wilson turned to Williams after left-back Lecsinel Jean-Francois was banned for picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Williams, who originally hails from Doncaster, made nearly 200 appearances for Scunthorpe United before joining Reading under freedom of contract at the start of last season.

He made only five appearances for the Royals, however, before falling out of favour at the Madejski Stadium.

Right-back Matt Lowton, meanwhile. says improved unity in the dressing room has been a major factor in United’s surge to the top of the League One table.

The Blades are looking to build on the unbeaten start to the season that has helped numb the pain of relegation from the Championship.

It may only be seven games – less than a quarter the length of Town’s 32-game unbeaten league run – but it is a ‘start’ and Lowton, who says he felt isolated at times last season, now feels part of something good once more.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s derby at Bramall Lane, the Blades defender said: “It was difficult for me last season as there wasn’t really anyone else in my age range.

“With the respect I had for the older lads, there wasn’t much joking on my part.

“It’s hugely important to be together on and off the pitch. When you come in, you have things to talk about and it’s always easier to play football with players that you get on with.”

The Blades employed 46 different players last season including nine loanees – which inevitably made it harder for the younger developing players such as Lowton to settle in.

Over the summer, the Blades appointed a new manager, promoted youth within the club, and signed several developing players such as Danny Philliskirk, Kevin McDonald, Ryan Flynn and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Lowton, 22, says the team unity has improved and the club’s players are socialising far more

“It always helps if you socialise together off the pitch. Five or six of us went out for a meal the other week, we have been to the races, and had a night out here and there when it fits in.

“With the young lads we have brought in, the squad is a bit younger and everything is a bit more light-hearted,” he added.

Reflecting on last season’s pressures, he said: “It was a different situation. We were not playing so well and we were down the other end of the table. Winning breeds confidence and being top of the league gives you confidence.

“People aren’t scared to make mistakes now. If someone makes a mistake, there is no blame culture, there is just encouragement. It helps a lot when you are out there to know people won’t have a go at you if you give the ball away.”

Although the Blades now have a smaller squad, Lowton feels it is one equipped to win promotion.

“We have the quality to stay there, every option in the squad is a quality option,” he said. “I always said that if we could keep hold of key players this season we would have a fantastic squad for this division. Well, we have managed to do that and added some quality as well which is always good.

“While we all wanted to be top of the table at this stage, we knew we had to work hard to make it happen. Teams that come down are often expected to hit the ground running but sometimes it doesn’t happen. For it to happen to us has been very pleasing but now we have to keep our feet on the ground and keep on getting results.”

Blades striker Ched Evans is pushing for a first start of the season tonight after scoring as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe United last weekend

Welsh international Evans was charged with rape during the summer and the court proceedings relating to the case are still hanging over his head. Wilson, however, restored him to the bench at the weekend.

Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark’s main injury headache ahead of the trip to south Yorkshire concerns former Blades left-back Gary Naysmith.

The 31-year-old missed the weekend victory over Tranmere Rovers and is rated as doubtful for the derby.

Other Terriers players who have undergone treatment since Saturday are Danny Ward, Calum Woods and Antony Kay but all three are expected to be fit to take on Danny Wilson’s side. Also in the squad are captain Peter Clarke and Damien Johnson, despite the duo not making the 16 against Tranmere.

Last six games: Blades DLWWWD, Town WLWWDW.

Last time: Blades 3 Town 0; October 17, 2000, League One.

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).