Ian Bennett could make his Premiership debut for Sheffield United against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Blades number one Paddy Kenny is currently recovering after discovering that he had a blood clot in his leg.
“Paddy wouldn`t have been able to play on Saturday, so perhaps the (international) break isn`t such a bad thing,” Neil Warnock told the Times newspaper last week.
Kenny, hampered by his injury during the pre-match warmup against Fulham, nevertheless played through the pain barrier and made a series of smart saves late on to restrict the home side to only one goal. With a fortnight`s rest, the Republic of Ireland international will be expected to take the field at home to Rovers, but if not Warnock will have no qualms about drafting Bennett in.
Though not a big name, or expected to break into the first team, Bennett`s cut price arrival at Bramall Lane in the Summer was met with warm approval. For too long United have played Russian Roulette without having a number two behind the established Kenny within their ranks. Kenny`s understudies have ranged from the inadequate in Phil Barnes, to the sheer incompetent in the infamous Lee Baxter.
Warnock missed out on Bennett a year ago as the experienced ‘keeper elected to join Leeds. However, despite some unsure displays by Neil Sullivan, Bennett was restricted to only four appearances between the sticks for the Whites.
The 34-year-old, who has played in the Premiership before with Steve Bruce`s Birmingham, played five times for United in a loan spell from December 2004 to January 2005. During this period Bennett performed capably, helping the Blades to three victories and a draw.
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