I'll be better than ever, says Hulse

ROB HULSE has warned Championship defenders that he will emerge from his injury nightmare an even better player than the one which troubled Premier League defences last season.

The Sheffield United striker, who scored eight goals during his club's controversial dalliance with the top-flight, is on course to return to first-team action next month after making steady progress in his battle to overcome a fractured leg.

Hulse made a brief appearance during United's recent friendly with neighbours Sheffield FC and is now targeting another run-out, this time for the reserves, before declaring himself available for selection.

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And remarkably the former Leeds and West Brom marksman is convinced that his seven month spell on the sidelines has helped to transform him into a more ruthless predator.

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"I'm sure that I'll come back even better than I was before," Hulse told The Star. "The leg feels fine and mentally I'm good too.

"I've had a lot of time to take stock of things and that's been useful as well.

"So, when you put everything together, there's no reason why I shouldn't be better than what I was before it happened."

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Although James Beattie's presence has ensured that United's problems do not extend to the opposition penalty area - they will start Saturday's visit of Preston North End in 20th position having been breached 19 times in 10 outings - Hulse's progress, coupled with the arrival of defender Phil Bardsley on loan represents a welcome boost for manager Bryan Robson.

Hulse sustained his injury against Chelsea in March and the double break he suffered at Stamford Bridge marked a turning point in United's campaign to avoid relegation.

Reports that United are poised to sign highly-rated Sydney FC midfielder Mark Milligan have been quashed by the player's agent.

United reserves were beaten 2-1 by Leicester City at Worksop last night.

Jordan Eagers scored the only goal of the game for the hosts who's oldest player was 21-year-old Ian Ross.

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