Scunthorpe defender Rob Jones is expected to be fit for Saturday's Championship clash with Sheffield United at Glanford Park.

The former Hibs star limped out of the Iron's last game - a 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle - with a hamstring injury but has trained this week and is set to start against Kevin Blackwell's men.

His defensive partner David Mirfin is also set to take his place at the heart of Nigel Adkins' defence after recovering from a groin injury.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Joe Murphy is another poised to return to the starting line-up after a dead leg, meaning Josh Lillis will make way.

United lost their two games before the international break, both on the road, and will be looking for a return to form as they prepare for back-to-back home games with the Blades and Newcastle.

Sheffield United are without 10 first-team players for the clash.

The current injury crisis at Bramall Lane has left manager Kevin Blackwell without four strikers. Jamie Ward has a broken wrist, Ched Evans withdrew from the Wales squad last weekend with an ankle injury, Richard Cresswell is nursing cracked ribs and Darius Henderson has flu.

Midfielder Nick Montgomery damaged medial ligaments in the recent 1-1 draw with Doncaster and skipper Chris Morgan is doubtful with an unspecified injury.

Matt Kilgallon has recently recovered from an ankle problem, but Gary Naysmith, Derek Geary, James Harper (all knee) and Lee Williamson (back) are long-term absentees.

Blackwell has cited this spate of injuries as the reason his side have failed to pick up where they left off last season, but the Blades still lie sixth in the table.