Flying in the face of public opinion, the Sheffield United manager refused to break up a team beaten by Birmingham City on the opening day of the new Championship season and saw his stubbornness rewarded with an emphatic victory over QPR.

The ease with which United exposed the myth that Iain Dowie's side are certainties for promotion means the majority of 16 players named in Blackwell's matchday squad last weekend are likely to feature against Blackpool on Saturday.

Only Chris Morgan, who received treatment for concussion after receiving a nasty blow to the head, is almost certain to miss out.

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However, tonight's Pontins League derby at Hillsborough (kick-off 7pm) represents a welcome opportunity for those on the fringe to persuade Blackwell that consistent selections are not a pre-requisite for success.

As Lee Hendrie has discovered, it takes more than a stirring display in the Carling Cup to secure a place in United's league 11.

But another gold-plated performance, against Sheffield Wednesday's reserves, could dispel any doubts Blackwell's regime has about his commitment and application.

"I don't like swapping and changing," Blackwell admitted. "I don't think it helps to breed the right mentality or spirit.

"If you do well, you'll normally stay in.

"If you don't, then you're out.

"I kept exactly the same team (against QPR) because, despite losing to a late goal, I thought they did really well at St Andrews.

"That was the reason."

Training-ground accidents apart, the greatest threat to Blackwell's planning for Bloomfield Road appears to be this week's round of internationals.

A badly-sprained ankle has denied Northern Ireland's Keith Gillespie the opportunity to lock horns with his colleague, Gary Naysmith, when Nigel Worthington's men travel to Hampden Park tomorrow, while David Cotterill is expected to feature for Wales Under-21s against Romania in Wrexham.

United are exploring the possibility of forging links with an Indian youth scheme.

Chairman Kevin McCabe recently visited the Tata Football Academy, located in the city of Jamshedpur, to discuss the benefits of further collaboration.

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