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“People have been coming back,” boss Paul Heckingbottom revealed.

“Bash is back training which is great. I’d love to have everyone back, I just hope it’s not for the last training session of the season!

“Everyone’s pushing in the right direction, it’d be great to have the experience back but we’re running out of games to get that match fitness.”

On Norwegian midfielder Berge, Heckingbottom added: “I’ll include Sander in the squad.

“He’s had plenty of training days with us and is feeling stronger and more confident every day.

“He’s done a lot of work so we’ll look to integrate him into the squad now.”

I was pleased for them and their efforts because I don’t think a lack of effort could be levelled at them. I was pleased that they got their rewards because their approach to all the games has been great and they’re a real honest group of players, who want to do well.

and first up, he was asked about the news in midweek that his name is on a five-person shortlist to be the next Blades boss...

“It’s just business as usual for me, with how we’re approaching the games,” Heckingbottom said, ahead of his side’s trip to Spurs this weekend.

“Nothing is going to change, I’m going to give my all for the players and the staff and try to get the feeling different before they break up. Next season will be an important season and so anything I can do to help out, I will do it.

“My role is focusing on the job now, we were clear and open when I stepped up in that I’d do it for as long as needed and I’d give my all, but I was brought in to work with the 23s. Nothing has changed in my eyes, one little bit.”

United confirmed that Paul Heckingbottom’s name features on a five-name shortlist to replace Chris Wilder as Blades boss - he’ll of course be asked about that at his press conference, so it’ll be interesting to see how he plays it after previously playing down any speculation that he could be the next Blades boss

The former Barnsley and Leeds manager has impressed the Bramall Lane hierarchy since taking caretaker charge of United after Chris Wilder’s departure last month.

United have spoken to “a number” of potential candidates, both in England and overseas, according to chief executive Stephen Bettis.

United are doing their due diligence to ensure the right appointment is made at a crucial time for the club, with relegation from the Premier League confirmed recently.

Bettis said: “The process of searching for a new manager to lead Sheffield United next season and beyond continues and remains the biggest priority at Bramall Lane.Paul Heckingbottom with Stephen Bettis: Darren Staples/Sportimage

“When Paul Heckingbottom was placed as interim manager back in March, we commented that he would remain in charge of team matters until the end of the season. The reason for this is that it would give us the time to thoroughly explore every option available to us.

“That remains the case. We have spoken to a number of potential candidates, both in this country and abroad, and will continue to do so in the best possible interests of the club, due diligience is an important factor as we strive to appoint the right person to enable us to make a promotion push from the EFL Championship.

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“We have now cut our search down to a shortlist of five candidates, which includes Paul Heckingbottom, who has performed commendably in the circumstances, and the board of directors will continue to take time to deliberate whilst the current season remains in progress.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank all Unitedites for their patience.”

Welcome to The Star’s live blog, where we’ll be bringing you the best of Paul Heckingbottom’s press conference this afternoon ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur...