Friendship being put to test for loyal Blade 'Monty'

The Sheffield United midfield player was 'gutted' when Paddy Kenny joined QPR this summer but holds no grudges towards a player he still regards as a friend.

The pair stood shoulder to shoulder for eight years at Bramall Lane and will forever be synonymous with the team that reached FA and League Cup semi-finals and won promotion to the Premier League.

Today, however, they will be on opposite sides for the first time and Montgomery wants nothing more than to stick the ball into Kenny's net.

The Republic of Ireland international's decision to quit the Blades just two games after serving a nine-month ban sent shockwaves around Bramall Lane.

To rub salt in the wound, it was the club's former manager, Neil

Warnock, who had returned to steal the family silver.

"I am pretty sure that they are going to get a hostile reception," Montgomery told the Yorkshire Post. "And I have already rung Paddy to warn him that I am the one who is going to score."

Kenny was banned by the Football Association for failing a drugs test after a play-off semi-final victory over Preston North End.

He always protested his innocence, blaming a cold remedy for the presence of the banned substance ephedrine in his system, but still had to carry the tag of 'drugs cheat'.

When it came to the question of signing new deals this summer, the Blades fully expected the goalkeeper to be standing at the front of the queue. What they got instead, however, was his desire to wave farewell.

"Everyone is different and everyone has different reasons why they make certain decisons," said Montgomery. "To be fair, I was gutted when I found out he was leaving because, as long as I have been here, he had always been the one in goal.

"I don't hold any grudge and he is still a great friend of mine. People shouldn't forget what he did for the club down the years. It's hard for me to comment on his loyalty – but he showed loyalty down the years.

"He only cost 30,000 but, at times, he was priceless. Paddy turned out to be one of the best goalkeepers the Championship has ever seen."

Montgomery was also a target for Warnock but opted to sign a new deal with the Blades.

Others interested in his signature included home-town club Leeds United, beaten play-off finalists Cardiff City and newly-relegated Burnley.

"It was definitely the biggest decision I have had to make in my career," he reflected. "In the past, I had always had two years left on my contract and this was the first time I was out of contract.

"I never wanted to go but I did have quite a few opportunities. I don't want to name those other clubs – because I left that down to my agent – but I think I have definitely shown my loyalty and the club have shown it back to me."

One of the biggest factors in his decision to stay was his selection as Player of the Year by the club's supporters.

Released by Leeds at the age of 16, Montgomery had been snapped up by the Blades after impressing on trial.

Now 28, he is the club's longest serving player with nearly 350 first-team appearances under his belt.

His strengths as a midfielder – namely breaking up play and starting attacks – have not always been fully appreciated and, at times, he has needed to fight to win over the fans.

"I think players who have been there the longest often get a bit more stick," he said. "To be voted best player by the fans was something really special and it made me think 'do I really want to leave this place?'

"It was important to stay in the area because we have a lot of friends around here but, at the end of the day, I wanted to be somewhere where I would be successful."

The Blades have enjoyed just one brief season in the Premier League during Montgomery's association with the club and a desire to return to the top flight remains his biggest motivation.

He still feels a sense of bitterness over the events surrounding the club's relegation three years ago – when Carlos Tevez, breaking rules relating to third party ownership, helped West Ham United stay up.

"I do feel envious when I see others in the top flight. Everyone knows our relegation was unjust and West Ham should have been docked points.

"If that had happened, we would have stayed up and the club would have spent money the following season. It's all 'ifs and buts' but I will always feel bitter about what happened.

"Every season, I hope that this is going to be my last in the Championship, but it's not that easy. I still believe I will get there. I am only 28 and, hopefully, I have still got another 10 years in the game.

"I don't go out drinking all the time or eating bad food and I am always looking to try new things which will extend my career. For the last 18 months, I have been 'foam rolling'. It's a huge rolling pin that I roll about on," he said.

"That puts pressure on the muscles and helps reduce any fatigue. It only takes 10 minutes a day before training but I have noticed a difference."

The Blades need a victory this afternoon to erase the memory of a dismal midweek Carling Cup defeat against Hartlepool United.

Manager Kevin Blackwell's options are again limited by injuries and suspensions but the presence of Kenny and Warnock in the opposition camp is guaranteed to transform the home crowd into a 12th man.

Sheffield Utd v QPR

Team news: Striker Ched Evans returns for the Blades after missing Wales' midweek international against Luxembourg with an ankle injury. Blackwell is expected to make late decisions on defender Nyron Nosworthy (knee) and new signing Stephen Jordan (calf) but Darius Henderson, Lee Williamson and Ryan France remain long-term injury absentees.

Last six games: Sheffield United WDWWDL, Rangers LWWLWL.

Last time: Sheffield United 1 QPR 1; March 13, 2010; Championship.

Referee: KA Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

SkyBet odds: Sheffield United to win 13-10, QPR to win 21-10, Draw 9-4.