John Fleck reveals he BROKE bones in his back as Sheffield United man makes admission about his form

Fleck fell awkwardly during Scotland's 1-0 win over Slovakia in October last year, and it wasn't until late November that he made his return.

The midfielder today revealed the extent of the injury, but was keen not to use it as an excuse for his early-season form which fell below his normal high standards.

"I fractured two bones in my back so it took some time to recover," Fleck said.

"But I can't use that as an excuse, I haven't played as well as I could.

"I don't know why that is and if I knew I'd change it. But I feel I'm getting better and the whole team is as well.

John Fleck says Sheffield United will fight to the end in their battle for Premier League survival

"I'm enjoying my football again but I'm not enjoying the position we're in.

"But we'll keep working hard. Staying up would surpass everything else, when we first came up the main aim was to stay up and the same again this year. We need to start winning some games to give us half a chance of doing that."

United can take a big stride in that effort tomorrow by beating second-bottom West Brom, although Brighton's win over Spurs on Sunday means United go into the game 13 points away from safety.

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Victory would also see United match the points total of Derby County, who posted the record low of 11 when they were relegated in 2007/08.

"I've seen that but it's not something I've thought about," Fleck said.

"I've always believed we'd get past that margin and our main aim is to stay in the league, not catch other people's points totals.

"Both teams have to win [tomorrow] to give half a chance of staying in the league, we'll go into the game with that mindset of we have to win it.

"It's not nice being stuck at the bottom for so long but that's down to us to put it right.

"We'll keep working hard and strange things can happen in football, so you never know."

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