Steve Kabba News Today

Town boss Joe Royle has named an 18-man squad for Fridays live Sky TV game at Sheffield United. Tommy Miller, Jim Magilton, Ian Westlake, Kelvin Davis and Chris Bart-Williams have all missed training this week but came through Wednesdays session without a problem.

Former Town midfielder Vemund Brekke Skard is training with Spanish third division side Barbastro. Norwegian Skard was released by the Blues in August and is still to find a new club.

Town have released central defender Aidan Collins for the second time. The 20-year-old was initially told he could leave by Joe Royle a year ago but, after the change of management, was given further time to prove himself.

Boss Jim Magilton has denied speaking to Sheffield United about striker Steve Kabba. The 25-year-old frontman had been widely reported to be near the top of Magiltons January wish list.

Central defender Jason De Vos is back in the Town squad for Saturdays trip to table-topping Sheffield United. The Canadian is likely to return to the side after cracking ribs in the opening day of the season home victory over Cardiff City.

Town manager Joe Royle has few injury worries ahead of Saturdays FA Cup fourth round tie with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday. Aside from the longer term knocks, Alun Armstrong and Richard Naylor picked up minor problems in the reserve game on Wednesday night.

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock is likely to keep with the starting eleven that beat Walsall 1-0 at the Bescot Stadium last weekend. The Blades beat the relegation threatened side with a Jack Lester penalty.

Coventry City boss Micky Adams says he has received no contact from Town regarding striker Dele Adebola. Town had been reported to have renewed their interest in the former Crewe forward but Adams, who is keen to land Town midfielder Darren Currie, says he has had no enquiries.

Why are West Ham and Sheffield United rivals? The animosity stems from the 2007 Carlos Tevez saga, which saw the Hammers beat relegation at the Blades' expense.

Contrary to reports elsewhere Town defender Thomas Gaardsøe will not face a suspension after reaching five bookings for the season at Bramall Lane on Saturday.