Blades decimated for Hull clash

Published: 11 Feb 2009 - 16:57:47

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Although manager Kevin Blackwell will be without so many players, the Blades boss will resist the urge to draft in cover on loan. Recent signings Jamie Ward, Leigh Bromby and Arturo Lupoli will all miss the fifth-round clash due to being cup-tied, Darius Henderson is in the middle of a four-match ban and Gary Speed (back) and Ugo Ehiogu (Achilles) are both long-term absentees. United skipper Chris Morgan is still struggling with a calf strain sustained in the recent draw at Preston and is not expected to be risked. Blackwell, who will look to either Gary Naysmith or Greg Halford to fill in alongside Matthew Kilgallon in central defence, is loath to enter the loan market before next week in order to ensure any new arrivals would be eligible under the 93-day rule for a possible play-off final at the end of the season.