Simonsen allowed to leave opening way for Kenny to step in for Blades

Kenny, who tested positive for the banned substance ephedrine following last season's Championship play-off semi-final against Preston North End, has proved his fitness to manager Kevin Blackwell.

"He has worked hard to stay in shape and had to employ his own personal fitness trainer as he was not allowed to train at the club," Blackwell revealed.

"It will be good for him to get a game between now and the end of the season and put his annus horribilis to bed."

With only two more games left to play, the Blades are now out of contention for this season's play-offs which means Blackwell is prepared to gamble on the former Republic of Ireland international.

The Blades had the option to extend Steve Simonsen's loan move from Stoke City but Blackwell has confirmed that he is returning to the Britannia Stadium after making his final appearance in Sunday's Steel City derby.

"If there had still been a big, big chance of promotion, it might have been too much to throw Paddy straight back in," he admitted.

"We have to look at his situation as though he has been out with a long-term injury and is now on the way back."

Veteran reserve goalkeeper Ian Bennett is still available as cover for the Blades but his contract is due to expire this summer.

Blackwell also signed Estonian international Mihkel Aksalu on a two-and-half-year deal in January but the 25-year-old has yet to be given his first taste of English football.

Defender Paul Connolly's loan spell from Derby County is now over which means Nyron Nosworthy is likely to switch to fullback with Marcel Seip or Kyle Bartley returning in the middle of defence.

Blackwell, meanwhile, is also considering a move for Stoke centre-back Rodney MacDonald who has joined the Blades on trial and will be available on a free transfer this summer.

Blades coach Gary Speed is waiting to discover his fate after admitting using foul and abusive language towards officials during the club's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United on April 5.

Speed, who was sent to the stands by referee Andy Hall, has declined the opportunity of a personal hearing and his case will be dealt with by a Football Association regulatory commission in the next 10 days.