DARIUS Henderson, Sheffield United's most expensive signing of the summer, is close to recapturing his best form, manager Kevin Blackwell has predicted.
The former Watford marksman, who completed a £2m transfer to Bramall Lane last month, was a surprise selection for last night's Carling Cup tie with Port Vale after starting at Birmingham on Saturday.
Henderson has yet to score for United, whose reward for a hard-fought 3-1 victory is a second round visit to Huddersfield Town.
But Blackwell dropped a huge hint that he will spearhead their attack against Queens Park Rangers this weekend, saying: "Darius is getting there, no doubt about it.
"He needs games and he'll get them that's for sure. People should remember that he was in the play-off semi-final for Watford at the end of last season and so he started training a little bit later.
"Then he joined us and got a niggling little injury so he's not had the ideal preparation.
"He's not quite where we want him to be.
"But I tell you what - he soon will be - because you can see the signs. He's on the right track."
Goals from Lee Hendrie, Stephen Quinn and a late Danny Webber penalty ensured United progressed into the next stage of the competition despite substitute Luke Rodgers equalising for Vale early in the second-half.
Blackwell's delight was tempered by news that Lee Martin, whose name featured on his list of possible targets, had completed a loan move to Nottingham Forest.
But despite identifying the need for a creative midfielder, United will not be rushed into the transfer market.
"I was really pleased with our performance and attitude against Vale," Blackwell added.
"This is a competition that I take very seriously and I want the players to do the same.
"They showed that they do.
"We want to win football matches pure and simple and get a winning mentality going."
The Blades star who's set to shine: Read it in the Green 'Un - out SaturdayWhat do you think? Post your comments below. READ MOREBlades 3 v Port Vale 1: Click here for match report and picturesClick here for full Carling Cup draw Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 400 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
