Paul Heckingbottom says everyone at Sheffield United is proud of Phil Jagielka after the veteran defender played at Chelsea on Sunday, just days after the tragic death of his older brother – and former Blade – Steve.

Steve passed away last Wednesday at just 43 years of age, with United leading the tributes to a midfielder who spent a season at Bramall Lane playing alongside his brother either side of spells at Shrewsbury Town and Accrington Stanley.

Temporary Blades boss Heckingbottom revealed that Jagielka had trained as normal ahead of the weekend clash with Chelsea, and wanted “normality” after the tragic news.

And after the Chelsea game, which saw the hosts win 2-0 and progress to the FA Cup semi-finals despite a spirited performance from the Blades, Heckingbottom said of Jagielka: “Everyone should be proud of him. Fans, his family, everyone at the club is.

“I’d like to speak about him and say how well he’s handled himself this week. To put in the performance that he did, I though he was immaculate from start to finish.”

Heckingbottom revealed that the former England international had declared himself available for selection at Stamford Bridge in the days after the tragic news about Steve.

“Jags is wanting normality; he’s been fine about training and us as a group want to be there for him and give him anything he needs,” Heckingbottom said before the trip to Stamford Bridge.

“He wants to focus on the football and I’d ask that from everyone as well, for Phil and his family. We’ll keep working with him, but he wants that normality and we can do that for him.”