DANNY Webber has emerged as a surprise contender to become the creative midfielder Kevin Blackwell believes is crucial to Sheffield United's promotion chances next season.
The 26-year-old striker, who scored twice during Monday's 3-2 victory over Ferencvaros, has impressed Blackwell since returning to fitness after an injury-plagued 12 months at Bramall Lane but could miss tonight's friendly at KVK Tienen as the United manager continues his search for the perfect starting 11 ahead of next month's Championship curtain-raiser at Birmingham City.
Surces close to the United camp, who continue their preparations for the trip to St Andrews at Helmond Sport on Saturday, have confirmed that Blackwell believes Webber possesses the combination of guile and pace required to flourish in a deeper-lying role.
Blackwell has spoken openly about his desire to increase the team's goal threat next term.
"Danny is quick and he's clever," Blackwell said. "And those are qualities that always cause defenders problems."
With the war of attrition for Wigan's David Cotterill showing no signs of abating, Blackwell's need for a solution to United's most challenging problem has been intensified by plc chairman Kevin McCabe's revelation that league position is the only barometer of success.
"Success is what is on the agenda," McCabe said. "And to me success is getting back to the Premier League next season.
Blackwell is increasingly looking to the options already at his disposal to fill a void which has existed since Michael Brown's departure in 2004.
This evening's game in Belgium is expected to mark Sun Jihai's debut for United following his release by Manchester City.
Ian Bennett, David Carney and Rob Hulse are also pencilled in.
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