Sheffield United should have Leon Clarke back available for their upcoming clash against Preston North End, according to the Sheffield Star.

Leon Clarke was missing from Sheffield United's squad against Birmingham City as the Blades' play-off ambitions were dealt a blow at St Andrew's yesterday.

Sheffield United had taken the lead through Mark Duffy but goals from Marc Roberts and Jacques Maghoma condemned Chris Wilder's side to defeat in the West Midlands as they missed the chance to leapfrog Millwall and move into sixth place.

Clarke missed the trip to Birmingham with a back spasm but Sheffield United manager Wilder has confirmed that his leading marksman should be back for the next game against Preston.

The former Coventry City and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker has hit 18 league goals this season, meaning he is just one strike behind leaders Bobby Reid, Matej Vydra and Lewis Grabban in the race for the Championship golden boot.

Clarke's return will boost Wilder's options for the final two games.

Sheffield United are now 11th in the league table and sit three points off the play-off zone while Preston are one point and two places above the Blades in the table - making next weekend's game even more important.

The Verdict

This is welcome news for Sheffield United. The Blades lacked a bit of ruthlessness up front against Birmingham and desperately need to win their last two games to have any chance of a play-off spot. Having all their attacking options will obviously help Wilder's team as they prepare for a crucial couple of games.

Sheff Utd fans - What do you make of this news? Let us know below...