Speed hopeful of Evans and Morgan returning for Blades

Evans withdrew from the Welsh squad due to a groin injury ahead of Friday's home defeat by Bulgaria and returned to Bramall Lane for intensive treatment.

Welsh caretaker-manager Brian Flynn had already lost strikers Craig Bellamy and Rob Earnshaw and indicated that he would check on Evans's availability again before tonight's game.

Blades manager Gary Speed said: "The FAW (Football Association of Wales) looked at him last week and sent him back here – but we haven't had any further communication with them.

"Ched has a slight groin problem. When he is running he is okay, but when he kicks the ball something isn't quite right. We are hopeful he should be available for the weekend."

Speed's options will definitely be boosted by the return to full fitness of captain Chris Morgan who has not played since pulling a hamstring against Portsmouth over three weeks ago.

Veteran goalkeeper Tony Warner has returned to Leeds United to help manager Simon Grayson through an injury crisis.

Grayson needed cover for tonight's reserve team game against Scunthorpe United after losing Kasper Schmeichel, Jason Higgs and youngster Alex Cairns to injury. Loanee Jason Brown is currently the only fit goalkeeper at Elland Road as third choice Alan Martin is away on loan with Barrow.

Warner, 36, had been unable to find a new club since being released by Charlton Athletic this summer. He played previously on loan for Leeds during the 2006-07 season and also spent two years with Hull City

Striker Ian Thomas-Moore is focusing on Tranmere Rovers again after the collapse of a proposed move to Rotherham United.

The Millers were keen to sign Thomas-Moore, son of manager Ronnie, before the close of the August transfer window but failed to agree a fee with the League One club.

Now the former Leeds United striker, 34, says: "It's all behind me and we've put it to bed. It's been hard but I just want to get my head down, get myself back into the team, start getting a few goals and I'll start being happy again."

FC Halifax Town have been drawn against Blue Square Premier League promotion chasers Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

The Shaymen, who currently top the Evo-Stick Premier League, will be looking to record another giant-killing after beating manager Neil Aspin's former club Harrogate Town in the third qualifying round last weekend.

Managerless York City will visit Kidderminster Harriers who were 2-1 winners at Bootham Crescent on the opening day of the season.

The winners of tonight's game between Sheffield FC and Frickley Athletic will play the winners of the replay between Tipton Town and Radcliffe Olympic, who are the lowest-ranked club still in the competition.

The fourth qualifying round is the final stage before clubs from the Football League enter the competition in the first round proper.

All ties will be played on Saturday October 23.

Midfielder Robbie Clark, meanwhile, will make his debut for Sheffield FC tonight after signing a one-month loan deal from Doncaster Rovers.