SHEFFIELD United have been challenged to show the character required to justify their status as Premier League contenders when they visit Blackpool tomorrow.
Kevin Blackwell's squad will arrive at Bloomfield Road searching for their third successive win following recent triumphs over Queens Park Rangers in the league and Port Vale (Carling Cup).
Last weekend's destruction of QPR, the wealthiest club in the division, saw United installed as one of the favourites to secure a promotion berth when the Championship season draws to a close in May.
A heart-breaking injury-time defeat by Birmingham represents the only blemish on their record so far.
But Blackwell, who could be without Chris Morgan (concussion) tomorrow, warned: "It's all very well putting in a good performance live on the television at St Andrews or against London billionaires but it's also about how you respond to the situations like this.
"I've told the lads that Blackpool will be desperate to beat us simply because we are who we are.
"Blackpool will smack our backsides if we go there and think we're the bees' knees.
"When we came back to training on Monday we spoke about the fact we'd had a good first week, but I reminded everyone that when things are going well we have to make sure we work even harder."
Confirming that Ugo Ehiogu will replace Morgan at centre-half if the United captain is withdrawn following his consultation with a neurologist last night, Blackwell added: "The decision won't be Morgs'. The problem is that, although he didn't get knocked out, he did have some memory loss.
"He was immediately inundated with text messages from the rest of the lads reminding him that he owes them money.
"But, seriously, if Ugo does come in then I'll have no worries because he's always done great for us.
Blackwell also revealed that James Beattie could return against Cardiff in eight days.
The former England international, on club business in Malta, underwent a knee operation earlier this summer.
"If he does then it's a credit to James' professionalism, sheer bloody-mindedness and the medical staff here," Blackwell added.
Meanwhile, United have told clubs interested in luring Chris Armstrong and Derek Geary away from Bramall Lane that players will only leave on United's terms.
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