The 25-year-old midfielder is confident that United will achieve their promotion goal and says he looks forward to meeting up with them in the top flight.

"They have a strong squad that is good enough to be up there and they will definitely be in the frame and I feel confident they can achieve promotion," said Tonge speaking on his arrival at the Britannia Stadium after Stoke's £2 million offer returned the midfielder to the top flight.

"I know everyone at Bramall Lane wants to get back up there and when you look at the players they have, then there is no reason why they can't do it.

"I'd love to be playing against them next season."

After lull Blades wait to storm the league

Tonge also expressed his gratitude to those at the Lane who had helped him and those fans who had supported him - "a lot of people have been good to me and I'd like to thank everyone," he added.

"It's been a big part of my life and now it's about getting used to being elsewhere and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Meanwhile, James Beattie reported no effects from his outing with a strong United side that played at Retford United.

The fit-again striker followed up his 10 minute appearance against Cardiff last Saturday with a 45 minute outing in the 3-0 win over the Unibond League side.

He scored too five minutes from half-time before staying off after the break. There were second half goals from Keith Quinn and Aymen Tahar.

Ian Bennett, Derek Geary, Matthew Spring, Nick Montgomery and Danny Webber were other experienced players who figured.

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