The sacrifices Sheffield United are making in order to try and reach Europe

Sheffield United's Irish defender Enda Stevens (2nd L) celebrates with team mates: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Chris Wilder’s squad were seventh in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea having played a game less than Frank Lampard’s side, when the fixture calendar was suspended two months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic.

With clubs now working towards a June 12 restart date, fears have been expressed the break could strip United of the momentum they had built up during a six match unbeaten run before the competition entered lockdown.

But Stevens, the Republic of Ireland wing-back, insisted: “We’re confident we can finish strongly and we’ve still got so much to play for.

“Our mindset is strong. When we can get back out there, we’ll be giving everything to try and make sure we pick up where we left off."

Despite reopening the Steelphalt Academy for individual and small scale sessions towards the end of last month, the majority of the work United’s players have undertaken in order to maintain their fitness has taken place at home.

George Baldock recently described how gruelling the programme Bramall Lane’s conditioning department devised when the training complex was closed has been.

Echoing his fellow defender’s thoughts, Stevens said: “Seriously, it’s been really tough. We’ve not been having a break. The stuff we’ve had to do has been hard but hopefully we’ll see the benefits and rewards."

Sheffield United's Enda Stevens (left) and Bournemouth's Callum Wilson battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 9, 2020. See PA story SOCCER Sheff Utd. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.

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The sacrifices Sheffield United are making in order to try and reach Europe

An important message:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, please purchase a copy of our newspapers or subscribe to thestar.co.uk.

The coronavirus lockdown is having a major impact on many of our local advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive. That means we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers and subscribe to our website during this crisis.

Stay safe and take care. Thank you. James.