Blades are anxious to keep Wolves striker Vokes for relegation battles

The Welsh international is on a month’s loan from Premier League club Wolves and scored his first goal for the Blades in Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.

There are still two games to play before the initial deal expires – against Watford tomorrow and Leeds United next weekend – but the Blades are already planning to approach Wolves manager Mick McCarthy about an extension.

Assistant manager Alan Cork said: “The way Sam has been playing, I think we have to look to keep him. He’s a big unit and worked his socks off the other night.”

Vokes, 21, has started only two games since joining the Blades last month due to a hamstring problem but Cork says the player will improve with games under his belt.

“It could be another three games before Sam is flying,” said Cork. “But that’s what happens when you bring in loan players at this time of year. You are not getting fully fit players.”

Vokes missed training yesterday but is expected to be fit for the trip to Vicarage Road. Midfielder Nick Montgomery (knee) was also missing but should be available. Striker Ched Evans (knee) is rated only 50-50, and winger Bjorn Helge Riise (hamstring) is definitely out but they should be fit to face Leeds.