Crawley Town vs Sheffield United preview - Ward back for Crawley

Posted Friday, February 27, 2015 by PA

Crawley welcome back Darren Ward when they host Sheffield United.

The defender was unable to play during the Reds' shock 2-1 win at his parent club Swindon in midweek but is free to return against the Blades.

His replacement Richard Wood impressed on his debut, giving Dean Saunders a welcome selection headache, though he remains without fellow defenders Joe Walsh (suspended) and Dean Leacock (groin).

Goalkeeper Brian Jensen (thumb) came through an Under-21 game unscathed in midweek and Marvin Elliott (hamstring) will be assessed but fellow midfielders Conor Henderson (ankle) and Josh Simpson (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Sheffield United striker Marc McNulty is struggling to shake off a knock sustained in the midweek win at Rochdale.

McNulty returned to the starting line-up and scored the Blades' first goal on Tuesday night, but was forced off at half-time and replaced by Matty Done, who could replace him if he fails to make it.

Defender Paul Coutts (groin) and goalkeeper Iain Turner (back) shook off injury in time to return to the side in midweek and are likely to continue.

But striker Michael Higdon (hamstring) and midfielder Stefan Scougall (knee) remain doubtful as the Blades aim to make it six league games unbeaten.