Wilson may be forced to enter loan market for fresh faces

The duo have been a success since joining Blackpool on a month’s loan in October, but with that set to expire tomorrow following tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy northern area quarter-final with Bradford City, Wilson could be forced back into the loan market.

If the temporary deal at Bramall Lane was meant to improve the duo’s form ahead of a return to Bloomfield Road and Championship action, then it has certainly served a purpose.

Striker Clarke found the net once during his stay in Sheffield, while pacey winger Phillips scored five goals in five starts and one substitute appearance.

Bradford City defender Luke Oliver played alongside Phillips at Wycombe Wanderers and said yesterday: “I know how good a player he is and he can cause us some damage.”

Blades boss Wilson’s priority is the league and his attempts to keep the pair to help strengthen their position in the League One promotion race.

Otherwise he will have to find players of a similar ilk in their stead.

Wilson said: “Billy and Matt have been tremendous for us and have made a really positive contribution.

“Matt has brought us some real pace, which we didn’t have before, and Billy is a really clever player – he has made a fantastic impact.

“They will both leave us after tonight and although I haven’t spoken to Ian (Holloway) yet, I am not confident of keeping them, although you can never rule anything out at this stage.”

Their absence will at least allow Wilson to look at some of his other squad members in the coming games.

He said: “We have a few players who have been out of the squad recently who will have been frustrated and desperate to make the most of any opportunity that comes their way.

“Ryan Flynn is a player with great techincal ability, he hasn’t got the pace of Matty but he is a player who can create chances by different means and he has a lot to offer us.

“We brought Matt and Billy in to provide us with pace and goals, they have done that and the search is always an ongoing process.”

Wilson will be without Chris Morgan, Andy Taylor, Lee Williamson and Johannes Ertl for tonight’s eagerly-awaited Yorkshire derby.

Last six games: Bradford City WLWLDL, Sheffield United DWDWDL.

Last time: Sheffield United 2 Bradford City 0; Division 1; March 20, 2004.

Referee: M Haywood (West Yorkshire).