Sympathetic Irvine admits shock at Blackwell dismissal

Irvine, who was given the bullet eight months ago by Preston North End, thinks Blackwell deserved at least 10 games this season to get things right at Bramall Lane.

The Scot, however, is sending a 'good luck' message to new Blades manager Gary Speed – who he knows from his time on the coaching staff at Newcastle United.

"I was surprised that Kevin left after three games," said Irvine yesterday. "It seems a strange thing. Maybe after 10 or 12 games but three games seems a bit strange? It is a shame for Kevin but we all come into management knowing there is a chance that might happen. I hope he gets another job soon."

Irvine was in the backroom team at Newcastle during Speed's six-year spell as a player on Tyneside.

The former Leeds United and Welsh international midfielder, now 40, had always been keen to move into coaching and got his big break when joining the Blades two years ago.

"Gary was a terrific pro and very good in the way he went about his job," said Irvine. "He was a thinker about the game and I always felt that, if he wanted to and was prepared to put the effort in, he could go on to be a coach or on the management side. I am sad for Kevin and disappointed that he has lost his job but it is Gary's opportunity now and it is important that he grabs it."

The Owls host Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow in League One and will be looking to build on their unbeaten start.

Midfielder Tommy Miller will be available for the first time this season after recovering from a hamstring injury but is likely to start on the bench as midfielders Chris Sedgwick, Gary Teale, Giles Coke and James O'Connor have done little wrong so far.

Winger Jermaine Johnson (knee) is now the only injury absentee at Hillsborough and is pencilled in for a first-team return at the end of next month.