Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield United: Loan star Mattock keeping future options open after Blades revival

SHEFFIELD United’s on-loan defender Joe Mattock is willing to stay at Bramall Lane even if the club is relegated from the Championship.

Mattock, currently on loan from Premier League West Bromwich Albion, lines-up for the Blades tonight in a televised game at league leaders Queens Park Rangers.

The Blades have eight games remaining to pull out of the relegation zone but Mattock’s return from injury has coincided with victories in two of the last three games against Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.

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Speaking ahead of the trip to Loftus Road – which pits the Blades against former manager Neil Warnock – Mattock said: “Moving to this club has been a great move for me personally and I love everything about Sheffield United and the city of Sheffield.

“I didn’t think I would grow as attached to the place as I have done and there is nothing I would like more than to help the club stay up for the fans, the gaffer, and the players. If we can pull out of this current situation, I have no doubt that we can do better in the league next season,” he added. “But, regardless of what divsion we are in, this is still the sort of club I would join.”

Mattock, who has won five caps for England at Under-21 level, initially joined the Blades in the New Year transfer window but had made just three appearances when he damaged knee ligaments in a game against his former club Leicester City.

After returning as substitute in the victory over Forest, he has started the last two games against Watford and Leeds United. Mattock believes the key to victory tonight will be containing the mercurial talents of QPR’s talented winger Adel Taarabt.

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The Moroccan international, 21, has been the star of the Rangers side since first joining the club on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last season and has bagged 15 goals this season including one at Bramall Lane in August.

“We have to target Taarabt and stick together at the back,” he said. “We need to keep good shape and and try to play him out of the game. Although they are top of the table, if we go there with hope and belief, I think we could pull off a shock.”

The Blades welcome back striker Darius Henderson after suspension but manager Micky Adams is no longer able to call upon the services of striker Sam Vokes. The Welsh international made his final appearance on loan from Wolves against Leeds but has now moved to rivals Norwich until the end of the season. Lee Williamson is serving a four-game ban.

Last six games: Rangers WWWLWW, Blades LLLWLW.

Last time: Rangers 1 Blades 1; December 19, 2009, Championship.

Referee: KP Stroud (Hampshire).