"We're all on a great journey together that no one wants to end" says Sheffield United defender Chris Basham

The 31-year-old has played a key role in United’s rise through the leagues since he was brought to the club by Nigel Clough in the summer of 2014 – and this season has been no different.

He has started every game for Chris Wilder’s side and received plaudits for being part of the famed over-lapping centre-backs system which has attracted attention in the club’s first season back in the Premier League.

And with a hectic Christmas programme featuring back-to-back trips to Liverpool and Manchester City, it's easy to see why Basham and the United faithful are currently in dreamland.

Unbelievably, it’s only three years ago Blades supporters were watching Basham and his team-mates play the likes of Oldham Athletic, Bury and Northampton Town over the festive period.

"When the fixtures first came out it was all about staying up in the Premier League and going to these amazing places but the manager has just said 'give it the best we've got', said Basham, speaking to BBC Radio 5Live.

“We've given everyone a run for their money this season so far and that's all we can do.

"Those back-to-back fixtures (against Liverpool and City) are obviously going to come quickly, but at least they're out of the way so we can focus on the other teams around us.

“We’ve got fans who have travelled to watch us play at Swindon (in League One) and things like that, so it's amazing for them to be on the journey as well as me.

“We're all on a great journey together that no one wants to end.

"The manager especially doesn't. All the boys have been in the same boat and we've just got to keep enjoying what we're doing.

“Everyone is walking out onto the big stages with smiles on their faces and with a belief that we can get something out of the games.”