Brazilian international hoping for Blades role

But Ze Maria, the former Internazionale and Brazil midfielder who is training with Sheffield United’s first team squad at Shirecliffe, can point to plenty of pedigree on his footballing CV as he attempts to persuade Bryan Robson that he is worthy of a permanent contract.

An experienced operator along the right flank - one of the positions which has caused Robson most cause for concern during his reign at Bramall Lane - the 34-year-old started his professional career at CS Sergipe where he helped them lift the 1993 State Title before transferring to Flamengo in 1995.

Twelve months later he accepted Parma’s offer of a move to Italy but it was at Perugia, under the guidance of Serse Cosmi, where he first captured the imagination of the discerning Serie A public.

Success in the Intertoto and creditable progress in the UEFA Cup proper followed and when the Grifoni suffered the ignomy of relegation, Roberto Mancini stepped-in by throwing Ze Maria a lifeline to the San Siro; Massimilano Fusani travelling in the opposite direction in part exchange.

"Another player of a high level, with excellent technical potential and lots of experience in the Italian championship and at international level with Brazil, joins our squad," Inter president Giacinto Facchetti said at the time.

“Ze Maria impressed me with his seriousness and the enthusiasm he transmits, which he will surely give to the club, the coach and the team."

A successful international career - despite the formidable presence of Cafu, Ze Maria won over 40 caps for his country - ran parallel to his exploits at domestic level but of course Robson, who failed to be swayed by Perrier Doumbe’s association with Cameroon - is interested in the present not the past.

Following a period of inactivity after his departure from Levante, fitness is obviously concern but Ze Maria certainly possesses the know-how to transfer his skills into the hurly-burly of the Championship.

The question, therefore, appears to be whether he is deemed capable of strengthening the areas Robson has identified as being in need of improvement.