But Nathan Dyer, signed on loan from Southampton exactly a week ago, has no complaints about his lack of action so far.

Instead the youngster, who is scheduled to spend, at the very least, the next three months is South Yorkshire, has wholeheartedly backed his new club's conservative approach to selection.

"We've won two games since I've been here and the players in the team have done really well," he said. "I think that's one of the most important things in football - if you're doing well then you should stay in.

"I think most players will tell you exactly the same thing. That's all you can really ask for. So, no, it doesn't bother me.

"I'm just biding my time, working hard and then, when I do get a good run, hopefully I'll be in a position to show what I can do."

Far from living up to his middle name, Dyer has been something of a talisman for United rather than a 'Jonah', with Kevin Blackwell's side winning both of their two matches since his arrival.

"Hopefully I'm a lucky charm," he laughed.

"But, seriously, the lads who have been involved far more than me deserve all of the credit."

Dyer used his first major interview since completing a temporary loan deal to outline the qualities he hopes will enable him to become a potent weapon in United's attacking armoury and help put his career, following some well-documented problems in his personal life, back on the right path.

"This opportunity came out of the blue for me but it was one I jumped at.," he revealed.

"Sheffield United are a great club with a really good reputation in the game and so I'm really pleased they wanted me.

"Last season I was involved quite a lot for Southampton and things were going well.

"But I've not been in the team too much this season and so, hopefully, I can be involved a lot more here.

"Mind you, I know I've got to perform well in training because there's a lot of quality here so nothing can be taken for granted.

"I'm pleased that's the way things are done here because it means, when you do come in, you are there on merit, because you deserve to be.

"That can only be good for everyone concerned with United.

"I know what this team can do because I've played against them before and everyone will tell you, not just the lads who are already here, that they've got the potential to go on and really achieve something.

"Every time I've played against them it's been tough.

"I can remember coming up against Derek Geary and he was a really tough opponent."

With Kyle Naughton, one early mis-judgement apart, producing another impressive display against Doncaster Rovers in midweek, Geary is unlikely to start tomorrow's Championship fixture against Bristol City tomorrow.

But with medical staff hopeful that James Beattie will recover from the dead-leg he sustained at the Keepmoat Stadium, manager Kevin Blackwell must be tempted to hand Dyer a more prominent role.

David Cotterill forged a prolific partnership with the former England international marksman during the closing stages of last term, so the manager has first-hand experience of how Beattie thrives on quality services from the flanks.

"I'm an out and out winger," Dyer said. "That's how I regard myself.

"There aren't too many of us around anymore, although obviously David is one too, but we can still do plenty of damage.

"Every one of us has their own strengths, be it energy, workrate or technical ability.

"It's fair to say that my biggest strength is pace and so I'll be looking to cause people problems with that."

KOP THAT: BLADES RAISE THE STAKES
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