Ford back for landmark Bramall Lane clash

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has received a boost ahead of the clash with Bradford - the 2,000th league game to be played at Bramall Lane.

Bobby Ford sustained a calf injury during the encounter with Wolves on Bank Holiday Monday and there were initial fears he would be out for a month.

But the 26-year-old midfielder has made a quick recovery and he could be back in contention for the visit of Jim Jefferies' side.

Defender Lee Sandford is also on the comeback trail after playing for the reserves on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old has not played since February after struggling with neck and calf injuries, but he completed 45 minutes for the second string.

The game may have come too soon for Sandford but Patrick Suffo is pushing for a first-team berth after scoring a brace.

Bradford boss Jim Jefferies will give late fitness tests to strikers Benito Carbone and Ashley Ward ahead of his side's trip to Bramall Lane.

Carbone has been struggling with a pull above his hamstring and Ward has an ankle knock.

Jefferies said: "We'll give them tests before the game. They've both improved well this week."

But the Bantams boss will have to manage without the services of Jamie Lawrence, who is away on international duty with Jamaica.

Winger Lee Sharpe is out for a further six to eight weeks as he recovers from a knee operation. Peter Atherton is also sidelined after surgery.