Chris Wilder makes a pledge about his Europe-chasing Sheffield United stars

Wilder’s men return to action in the FA Cup on Tuesday, away at Reading, before resuming their top-flight campaign on Saturday at home to Norwich.

This afternoon’s scheduled trip to Aston Villa was postponed when Dean Smith’s side reached tomorrow’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

And Wilder, whose side all-but sealed their top-flight safety last weekend with a point at home to Brighton, said: “A promoted side gets to 40 points with 11 games to go… I know a few teams would swap.

“But I wouldn't swap my players, in terms of attitude, battling with big boys.

“I don't know where the season is going to go but I’ve got a good idea if they keep going as well as they have been doing.

“Some said we’ve been on holiday when we went to Dubai… that wasn’t a holiday performance against Brighton.

“It was a proper performance and if the players keep giving me what they have done in the past, we’ll be okay. There are some fabulous games coming up and the supporters will be going to Anfield and the Etihad and Arsenal and Spurs and Chelsea again next year.

“But I want more out of the season, and so do the players.”