Wilson: Ched will get a warm reception but he's only bothered about one thing

Evans, who spent three seasons as a Blade, signed for the Spireites in the summer.

Sunday’s game at the Proact will be his first encounter with United and their fans and Wilson is sure it will be an amicable reunion.

But the Town boss suggests that will be the last thing on the front man’s mind.

He said: “The fans have been great with him, our fans have been fantastic with him since he came.

“He’s got a lot of support out there on Sunday so let’s hope he’ll turn in a performance.

“I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t (get a warm reception). I think he was very much revered with the fans.

“I don’t think he’s really bothered about that, I think he’s bothered about putting a good shift in for us and not Sheffield United.”

The game is being broadcast live on Sky TV and Evans is sure to be the centre of attention before and after the 90 minutes.

Wilson says the 27-year-old has shown no signs of being affected by the fixture and its significance.

“He’s been no different whatsoever,” said the former Blades boss.

“There will be and there’s been a lot of attention on him for quiet a while and I think he’s handled it very well.

“He’s handled it with a lot of dignity, I think that’s all he can do.

“He’s got to go out there and play with all his heart for Chesterfield and he’ll do that, there’s no question.

“I’m sure from his point of view he’ll want to go out and do his level best.”

Chesterfield’s manager has remained tight lipped on Evans’ off field situation since the Welsh international came to the club.

But ahead of the derby he did offer an insight into the thinking at the Proact when it came to signing Evans.

“We haven’t got one up on anybody, we took a situation, we looked at it very deeply, we got criticised in large areas and possible still are. But what we felt that if it did pan out the way we thought, with the advice we got, we’d have a very good footballer on our hands.

“And we have, that’s all we’re concerned about.”

Wilson acknowledged the player’s importance to Chesterfield’s chances this season, but says his form should be analysed with the context of injury disruption.

“He’s playing very well but he’s not back to full fitness yet.

“He’s had an injury, a heel injury that kept him out for about six weeks so he’s still finding his feet a bit.

“But the goal last Saturday will have done him the world of good.

“He was a bit gutted he didn’t play the other night, I think he wanted to carry on his goalscoring exploits.

“That’s what forwards do, they want to play again and get the next one.”