Sheffield United boss's claim over table-topping position ahead of "tough" Luton Town test

United have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table when they take on Nathan Jones’ side at Kenilworth Road on Friday evening, after climbing to the summit last weekend by beating Blackburn Rovers.

Heckingbottom and Oliver Norwood, who scored the opener against Rovers, both highlighted the experience amongst the group of players and staff that will prevent them getting carried away by going top.

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And, speaking ahead of the trip south, Heckingbottom added: “It means nothing. I've no doubt Nathan and Luton will talk it up; we have a target on our backs and we'd do the same.

“It can be easier that way to talk about the team that's coming, but it doesn’t affect our approach. We know the tough team we're facing, their options from the bench.

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“We've got the same sort of options ourselves, we're just preparing for a tough game. I enjoyed watching them a hell of a lot last season, they're trying to play the same way this season and looking at the stats, they seem to be a team that really enjoys the challenge when they haven't got the ball. So it sets up a really good game.”

“We expect them to play on the front foot and try to make it difficult,” Heckingbottom added, “and we need to be ready for that, and also be good enough to impose ourselves on the game.”

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