Blades draw up short-list

Blades draw up short-list

Published May. 10, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET

Inverness right-back David Raven returns from suspension for the visit of Dundee United as Terry Butcher's men look to strengthen their grip on a Europa League ticket for next season.

Richie Foran is available before his suspension kicks in for the season finale, a potentially-pivotal Highland derby against Ross County.

Goalkeeper Ryan Esson and defenders Gary Warren and Simon King remain out.

Caley Thistle are currently one point clear of St Johnstone - and four ahead of County - in the race for the final European berth, behind second-placed Motherwell.

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United boss Jackie McNamara will have to ring the changes for the trip to the Caledonian Stadium after four of his defenders were ruled out of the game.

Keith Watson, Sean Dillon, Gavin Gunning and Barry Douglas will all miss the Tangerines' penultimate match of the season

Striker Johnny Russell, however, could be in line for his first start since suffering a broken leg in the 0-0 draw in the Highlands' capital on February 27.

He returned to action by making a second-half appearance in the 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone last week.

Caretaker Chris Morgan, who managed the Blades in their unsuccessful play-off campaign, will be interviewed for the manager's job along with six other applicants.

"Chris has put himself forward to be interviewed for the role," Winter told BBC Radio Sheffield. "We had around 20 applicants of quality for the position and narrowed the shortlist down to about seven.

"We did quite a lot of work in preparing a managerial profile. We want a manager who wants to develop and improve players.

"The manager is pivotal to the challenges we face. It is about creating an identity on and off the pitch, a philosophy and a new culture. The club has to change because it can't continue with the model it has had."

That defeat to Yeovil on Monday meant the Blades are yet to be promoted via the play-offs now in seven attempts and face their third consecutive season in the third tier.

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