Sheffield United v Bristol City: Pledge by Ward to stay loyal to Blades

The former Chesterfield striker has spent the majority of his time on the substitutes' bench after a plea for a new improved contract was rejected by Blackwell last month.

However, Ward has spoken out to dispel talk of a bust-up and acknowledged that the Blades manager is only acting in his best interests.

"There have been rumours that we had a bust-up but that is a load of rubbish," said Ward.

"I think that was just someone sitting at home on a computer keyboard trying to cause a bit of friction among the fans and turning people against the gaffer.

"We have not got a problem with each other and we get on well," he stressed. "Basically, he has pulled me out because he is looking after me."

Blackwell reacted angrily when Ward's agent, Gino Culbertson, claimed publicly that the Blades had failed to deliver on the promise of a new deal.

Ward had signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Blades just 12 months earlier after moving from League Two side Chesterfield in a 330,000 deal.

The 23-year-old has withdrawn the request for a pay rise and pledged his full commitment to Blackwell and the Blades.

With frank honesty, Ward also lifted the lid on the main reason for his absence from the side.

In September, the striker was stretchered off after tearing the hamstring during the derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane –but it has emerged that the Blades were aware of a weakness in the muscle prior to his transfer from Chesterfield.

"I am only operating at around 80 per cent and it's always in my mind that it could go again," admitted Ward.

"I will probably have it for the rest of my career now and that is because of the type of player I am."

Ward is not the first striker in recent years who has needed to come to terms with the reality of injuries never being far away. Manchester United striker Michael Owen has been dogged by problems for years.

"I am guessing my problems are roundabout the same as Michael Owen's," said Ward. "I know he's had hamstring problems and it is because of the type of players we are, sharp and with a lot of sprint work involved in our game.

"I can still affect games and, if I didn't think that, I would rather not play. If the manager decides that's from the bench, fair enough, I have to accept that."

The Blades host Bristol City today needing to stop a downturn in results.

A return of only one point from the last four games has seen the Blades slipping out of the play-off zone.

Recent admissions about the state of the club's finances have also added to a sense of unease at Bramall Lane

Although there are 16 games still to play, Ward says the Blades are now no longer in the hunt for automatic promotion.

With second-placed Newcastle United 17 points ahead of the Blades, it is easy to understand that point of view.

Securing a top-six spot would still be a success, especially against a backdrop of financial pressures and injuries at the club this season. "Our main aim now is the play-offs," said Ward.

"If we put an unbelievable run together we could still get an automatic place but, realistically, we will never get to automatic unless the rest of the teams above us have really bad spells.

"We are a confident bunch of lads and we know what we have got in the team and what we can do. We just need to start picking up more points now to ensure we get in the play-offs."

Assistant Blades manager Sam Ellis, meanwhile, has stressed the importance of improved results.

"Our recent run is a concern and we don't want to get trapped and get one point from the next four games, too," he said.

"But we don't think we are on a downer, or not doing things right, we just feel that things have not gone for us.

"If fortune favours the brave, we will be back on track as quickly as possible."

Sheff Utd v Bristol C

Team news: Defender Andy Taylor is back from a groin injury but may have to settle for a place on the Blades bench after the acquisition of loan signings Toni Kallio, Nyron Nosworthy and Kyle Bartley. Goalkeeper Mark Bunn, captain Chris Morgan, and midfielder James Harper remain sidelined.

Last six games: Sheff Utd LWLLDL, Bristol WLLDDL.

Last time: Sheff Utd 3 Bristol 0; October 4, 2008, Championship.

Referee: D Deadman (Cambridgeshire).

SkyBet odds: Blades to win 5-6, Bristol to win 7-2, Draw 12-5.