Preview, Cardiff City v Sheffield United: There may be no trophy but we must treat every game like Cup game – Nosworthy

The Blades sit five points off the final play-off spot occupied by tonight's opponents Cardiff – who also have a game in hand – so defeat would stretch the gap to eight points with just seven games remaining.

It means the pressure is on Kevin Blackwell's injury-hit squad to deliver.

Blackwell has constantly been forced to use the loan market, goalkeeper Steve Simonsen being the 22nd player to make his Blades debut this season when he faced Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

The Blades manager was unsuccessful in his attempt to sign another loan striker yesterday after Henri Camara's groin injury left him with Richard Cresswell as his only fit forward.

Against Rovers, United's back five also contained four loan players, though captain Chris Morgan returns from suspension tonight to partner Nyron Nosworthy in the heart of defence.

Nosworthy may have only played 10 games for the Blades since his loan switch from Sunderland but the 29-year-old is already something of a veteran in a makeshift United set-up.

"There's not many games to go now so it's all or nothing really. The players know that and the manager can't stress it enough," he said.

"We have got to treat every game as a Cup game. There may be no trophy but we can push on to better things."

Nosworthy admits it can be difficult with so many new faces.

"You just try to find an easy part of his name to remember, but we are all still getting to know each other and just trying to do our own jobs," he said.

"It sometimes happens at clubs, just when you are trying to push for something big you are cursed with injuries. People are relying on us, but it doesn't take away from the fact that we have been brought here to do a job, and that's to play football. Get that right and it's job done."

Nosworthy has not ruled out a permanent switch to Bramall Lane.

"Other clubs might come in and there are decisions to be made but I will just have to wait until the summer.

"I only signed my new contract (at Sunderland) in November, but then there was a shuffle of the cards, the manager was not pleased at not winning games, and it changed. But that's football, anything can happen. I enjoyed my time at Sunderland, but if it's now time for a change so be it."

Nosworthy has quickly been accepted by Blades fans, just like at previous clubs Gillingham and Sunderland. "I don't know why the fans take to me," he said modestly. "I could say I'm a likeable guy, but obviously they see me on the pitch and I am aggressive.

"I just aim to please, give my all, and if I'm having a bad game then run around and be a nuisance. I think the fans can see I'm giving it my all, never giving up, whether we are losing or not."

Last six games: Cardiff LWLLWW, Sheffield United WLLDWD.

Last time: Cardiff 0 Sheffield United 1; March 22, 2009; Championship.

Referee: DS McDermid (Middlesex).