Sharp's goal during the second-half of Saturday's South Yorkshire derby at Barnsley lifted the visitors to within two wins of sixth-placed Plymouth with seven games of their season remaining.

Crucially United, who climbed to 12th as a result, also have a game in hand on Paul Sturrock's side.

Although Blackwell has been loathe to encourage talk of a late challenge, Sharp, speaking after scoring his third goal in as many outings, revealed the players are convinced they can still reclaim Premiership status at the first attempt.

"There's always one team that gets in there on a late run and hopefully that will be us," Sharp said.

"We've got to finish strongly.

"If we can keep winning then we'll climb the table.

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"If we can get a win away at Preston then we've got a few home games and the derby (against Sheffield Wednesday) to come."

Having endured a miserable start to the season after making an emotional return to Bramall Lane last summer, Sharp, who attracted admiring glances from a host of top-flight clubs during a prolific spell with Scunthorpe, is now enjoying the type of form which led some observers to describe him as the most talented youngster in the Football League.

With James Beattie and Rob Hulse also available for selection, it means Blackwell suddenly enjoys an embarassment of riches in attack.

The United manager has presided over four wins, three draws and just two defeats, including one in last month's FA Cup replay at Middlesbrough, since replacing Bryan Robson at the helm and is nowalmost certain to be rewarded with a long-term contract in May.

Blackwell's decision to ask Sharp to concentrate on converting rather than creating chances has proved particularly astute and the 22-year-old said: "It's all about confidence.

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