SHEFFIELD United's preparations for this weekend's Steel City derby gathered pace today as medical staff at Bramall Lane prepared to reveal that Chris Morgan and Nick Montgomery, two senior members of Kevin Blackwell's squad, have won their battles against injury.
The two players, who could now come into contention for Sunday's trip to Hillsborough, have both been nursing calf strains during the international break.
Morgan has been out of action since straining a calf muscle on the eve of the 3-0 victory over Bristol City, less than a week after Montgomery suffered exactly the same problem during the warm-down following last month's triumph at Doncaster Rovers.
But, confirming that they have since resumed training, Blackwell hopes they will receive a clean bill of health when they are examined by the club's physiotherapy department.
The United manager told The Star: "Morgs and Monty have been working with the rest of the lads here and haven't reported any new problems.
"So, fingers crossed, they'll be back when we have another look at them this morning.
"It's good to have people like that coming back, especially before a game as important as Sheffield Wednesday, because we want as many options as possible at our disposal."
Although the international break has consigned Blackwell's plans for a detailed review of United's battle-plan to the dustbin, he has used the time to patch together Shirecliffe's walking wounded.
Darius Henderson, a £2 million summer capture from Watford, remains a doubt.
But if Morgan and Montgomery do get the all-clear then a United squad already bristling with self-belief after winning their last three outings will travel in an even more confident mood.
Meanwhile, Blackwell is keeping his fingers crossed that David Cotterill emerges from the latest round of World Cup qualifiers unscathed.
The winger, an unused substitute for Wales against Liechtenstein, could be called upon to face Germany in Moenchengladbach.
Keith Gillespie, deemed surplus to requirements after failing to hold down a regular place in Blackwell's starting 11, should appear for Northern Ireland against San Marino while goalkeeper Justin Haber is in the Malta squad which entertains Hungary.
"Hopefully all of the lads who've gone away will be okay," Blackwell said.
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