Sheffield United: Press conference updates from Slavisa Jokanovic and Chris Basham ahead of Barnsley trip

He’s still not working with us, he’s out. I cannot give you any expectation but I am hoping in the next 10 days he can be with the team.

Here’s a recap of what he had to say ahead of Sunday’s derby game...

It’s always a great occasion going there, I’ve really enjoyed going there in my time here. There’s a big stage, there’ll be a lot of blades fans and a lot of their fans too. It’ll be aggressive, hopefully we’re up to the task and we can pick up the points. It’s a great occasion, the fans are behind the goal so it’s great to see them celebrating but it’ll be a hostile environment I think. They need a performance and so do we.

Tough question really. As a footballer at 33 I want to be playing every week and I believe I can do that for Sheffield United. I have a lot of experience here of the ups and downs and I’m desperate for the ups to come back. You always want to play games, I’ve just got to keep believing and stay ready when I’m called upon.

We don’t want a season to pass us by, the manager and the players we’ve brought in don’t deserve that. We need the determination and character to get the results. We don’t want a season of what-ifs.

We need to start picking up results. We’re not happy with 17^th but the table is so tight and if you pick up a few results in a week, you can suddenly be in the play-offs. That’s just what the Championship is like. Teams that are up there have had similar experiences than us but have kicked on better, we’ve had chances of manager and formation but we’re desperate to do well for the fans. We’ve got a great group and we just need to glue together and go on a run. There’s still plenty of time to go and everyone knows what Sheffield United are like when the club goes on a run.

We’ve shown it in spurts, it’s just about consistency. It’s a bit slower so the fans need to understand we might work the ball back around the defence, it’s how the manager wants us to play. We are creating a lot of chances. With the three there’s a bit more security there, with the four there’s more freedom at the top of the pitch. There’s loads of positives and negatives. We are seeing a lot of 3-5-2, teams sitting in and looking to catch us on the break, and it was hard to take on Tuesday.

Like any footballer if they’re not frustrated they shouldn’t be a footballer. I’m backing my teammates and I want the best for them and my club. I’m sure the appearances will come back again, I’m used to playing games and there’ll always be that frustration. But John and Ben have been outstanding and we’re playing four at the back so it’s something I’ll have to get on with.

The manager went over it today and he said we need to show more maturity in our style of play and on the pitch, leading out there.

Here’s a recap of what the Blades defender had to say ahead of Sunday’s derby clash ...