Kalvin Phillips joined Sheffield United on loan from Manchester City last week.

Former Leeds United and Blackpool manager Simon Grayson insists Sheffield United have demonstrated they still believe they can earn promotion this season after landing Kalvin Phillips on loan.

The midfield enforcer, who made his Blades debut in the second half of Monday night’s 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane, has joined the club on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season.

After falling down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, earning just one appearance so far this season - a seven-minute cameo in a 2-0 win over League One side Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup third round back in September - his temporary switch to Bramall Lane will offer him the opportunity to try and get his career back on track.

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Although United are currently 17th in the standings, they are only eight points shy of the final play-off place - a gap that could potentially be reduced to five this weekend. It means all is not lost in their hopes of extending their season come May.

And in the opinion of Grayson, who was last in charge of Hartlepool United, United’s decision to bring in a player of Phillips’ calibre signalled a statement of intent, outlining what their hopes are between now and the end of the campaign.

Grayson hails Phillips capture

Grayson, penning his column for The Football League Paper, said: “From Sheffield United’s point of view, it’s a hell of a coup and a clear signal that they don’t think the play-offs are out of reach.

“I think a lot of clubs in their position would have looked at the situation and gone ‘okay, we’re not going up or down, let’s just keep our power dry for next season and give it a push in the summer’.

“But you look at the addition of Kalvin, the signing of Joe Rothwell from Rangers, and they are big-name, well-paid players who have been added to go and deliver promotion.”

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Phillips will need time to get up to speed after going so long without playing, with his cameo appearance against Middlesbrough his first appearance in more than than four months. However, Grayson insists the Leeds academy graduate has plenty of time to get his career back on track.

“As for Kalvin, I still think there’s time to get back to his best,” Grayson continued. “It won’t happen overnight, but he’s got five or six good years left in him yet.

“If he can stay clear of injuries, play consistently and get his confidence back, then all the technical ability that made him an England regular is still there.”