Sheffield United's Williamson 'lucky to be alive'

Manager Kevin Blackwell has revealed that Williamson spent three days on a life support machine this summer after picking up an infection in the wound.

Blackwell is now waiting to discover whether the 28-year-old will be available for the start of the new season.

It is the latest in a string of setbacks for the former Rotherham United player, who has been dogged by problems since joining the Blades in a 500,000 deal from Watford last summer.

Blackwell said: "He had a bulging disc in his back, the same as he had just after he came which resulted in him struggling to regain fitness.

"It was a problem to him late on last season and, at times, he was playing in pain because we were short of bodies.

"When he had the operation in London, complications set in which led to him being on a life-support machine for three days.

"It came out of the blue, infection set in, and he is lucky to be alive," said Blackwell. "But his wife, Gemma, has been a tower of strength and we have kept in touch with her."

Williamson has managed just 16 starts for the Blades but scored the equaliser in the Steel City derby on his final appearance in April.

Blackwell, meanwhile, has confirmed his interest in signing Aberdeen's out of contract defender Charlie Mulgrew.

Reports in Scotland suggest the 24-year-old left-back has already agreed a three-year contract with the Blades but Blackwell said: ""He is a player we are interested in - but it is at a delicate stage. He has been on our radar for a while although his agent is talking to other clubs."

Mulgrew would be the ideal replacement for Scottish international Gary Naysmith, who rejected an opportunity to stay with the Blades this summer in favour of a move to League One Huddersfield Town.

Mulgrew has spent two previous spells in English football with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southend United and has represented Scotland at under-21 level.