This is when Sheffield United boss thinks the play-off picture will become clearer

Sixth in the table following a goalless draw with AFC Bournemouth, United contest the first of their five remaining games when Reading visit Bramall Lane on Friday.

With a trip to Bristol City also looming on the horizon and only four points separating them from ninth placed Millwall, Heckingbottom accepts United’s next two matches could decide whether or not they qualify for the end of season play-offs.

MORE: Sharp return date predicted as striker undergoes another scan

“The Easter period is always so big, that and the weekend before it,” he said. “You come out of that spell, when there’s a really fast turnaround, and by then everyone really knows what they’ve got to do.

“At this stage, it’s a big chunk out of what you’ve got left. And this year, it’s so tight but there’s lots of people in and around it who are facing each other. So things are going to move around a bit, there’s going to be lots of changes of position.

MORE: Advice from a Man Utd legend influencing Bramall Lane's next generation

“When you come out of Easter, mind, that’s when the picture really does become a lot clearer. What we have to do is make sure, when it’s finished, that we are still in with a real shout.”

United host Cardiff City after returning from Ashton Gate before facing Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road and leaders Fulham on home soil.

“Overall, I think it’s going to go right down to the wire,” Heckingbottom said. “It could come down right to the final minute of the final day. We love being at home but every game is so important.”