Blackwell: Get on with it Sheffield United Published Date: 25 February 2010
By James Shield
Sheffield United
SHEFFIELD United's players have been ordered not to use injuries as an excuse during the closing stages of the season.
The warning, issued by manager Kevin Blackwell, comes after Derek Geary, the club's only recognised right-back, was ruled-out for up to three months with ankle ligament damage.
The defender's absence has raised fears that a United squad, which has also been shorn of key players through a combination of sales and suspension, is once again on the verge of breaking point as it enters a critical stage of the campaign.
But Blackwell, who has been forced to contend with an unprecedented number of problems this term, told The Star: "These are the cards we've been dealt.
"However difficult it is, however tough it has been at times, we've just got to get on with it.
"True, there have been a number of mitigating circumstances behind some of our results lately but we can't afford to let them overshadow things.
"We all know where we want to be."
Blackwell, whose side entertain relegation threatened Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, was, of course, referring to the Championship's top six.
With 14 games remaining United trail Cardiff City, who occupy the final play-off berth, by four points.
Dave Jones' side, however, have one game in hand meaning the margin for error between now and May's fixture at Ipswich Town is now uncomfortably thin.
Geary's absence, together with doubts about the availability of loanees Kyle Bartley and Nyron Nosworthy, means Blackwell once again finds himself contemplating changes to a back four which has borne the brunt of United's fitness problems since last year's ill-fated play-off final against Burnley.
Darius Henderson, United's leading goalscorer, also begins a three match ban when Argyle arrive at Bramall Lane following his recent sending-off at Nottingham Forest.
But the imminent return of Chris Morgan, United's captain and influential centre-half, has eased some of the pressure on Blackwell's shoulders as he attempts to repeat that march to Wembley.
Marcel Seip is also close to completing his rehabilitation from a hamstring strain but is ineligible for selection against Argyle under the terms of his loan move from Home Park.
