Sheffield United: Substance over style for Blades as defender Edgar gets on the scoring act

But the Canadian international centre-half was keen to claim the credit after his late winner saw United beat Colchester on Saturday, and move to within a point of the League One play-off places.

"It was a tough second half for us, but we wanted to reward the fans who had come all that way to support us on another cold winter day," Edgar said.

"We showed fighting spirit at Old Trafford the Saturday before, at Wigan on Tuesday to come back from 3-0 down and I suppose we came back again at Colchester after getting pegged back.

"It’s been a long week energy wise, but we stuck together, dug in and came away with the rewards.

"Of course, it doesn’t matter who scores... we got the winner and that was the main thing.

"But it was my goal!"

Edgar, who is expected to make his 21st appearance in United colours this weekend when Nigel Adkins’ side host Swindon at Bramall Lane, has emerged as one of the key figures behind United’s run of five wins in their last eight games, which has propelled them to within touching distance of the top six.

And the defender added: "It’s helped that we’ve had a bit more consistency of late.

"Touch wood, we haven’t had any injuries and have been able to field a settled back five in the last few weeks, which is good.

"We all know we have to keep working hard to keep the shirt... if not, then there are a few players behind us ready to take our place.

"They’re good players, too, and they’re chomping at the bit to get involved.”

Adkins, meanwhile, admits that United had to “hang in” at times against Colchester - but concedes that points, not plaudits, are all that matters between now and the end of the season.

"At times this season we’ve played well and not got anything from the game," the Blades boss said.

"So the only thing we’re interested in from now on is winning.

"The players have put a hell of a shift in over the last week, and this victory could take us a long way in the second half of the season."