Although the injury, sustained during last month's friendly at Bury, is not as bad a first feared the Northern Ireland international is unlikely to return to action before September.

The news will accelerate Kevin Blackwell's search for a new winger with Lee Martin, who finished last season on loan at Bramall Lane, the manager's preferred choice.

"Keith has got a sprain but it's a serious one," Blackwell said.

"I would imagine that he'll be out for around five to six weeks. It could be sooner and hopefully it will be.

"Obviously we were worried that he'd done something a lot more serious so, in a sense, it's good news. But he'll still be out for sometime."

Blackwell, who watched a United XI beat their Chinese sister club Chengdu Blades 3-1 at Dronfield last night, has made no attempt to disguise his admiration for Martin and recently revealed that he has approached Manchester United about the possibility of signing him on a permanent basis.

Chinese 'friends' shock Blades: MATCH REPORT

Blackwell's side open the new Championship campaign in front of the television cameras at Birmingham City on Saturday with Chris Morgan warning their opponents - most pundits' favourites to make an instant return to the Premier League after being relegated last term - not to expect an easy ride.

"I think it's a great opening game," United's captain said.

"They're one of the teams expected to be right up there but the pressure is all on them.

"We know how difficult it can be from last season when we'd just gone down and everyone wanted to beat us."

Sheffield United: Preview for the season, including ins and outs and squad numbers. Don't miss Saturday's Green'Un newspaper

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