Beattie's return is unlikely

Last updated : 27 August 2008 By Jamie Furniss

Beatts has been out for a lengthy time due to injury and recently returned to Shirecliffe to begin the football training. But the international break is up and coming so that will give the former Everton man a big help.

His Gaffer Kevin Blackwell said: "James started football work on Monday and found it tough. He has done a lot of running but actually playing the game hard is a different thing altogether.

"He has been so enthusiastic and really supported the lads in every way he can. The two week break has come at an ideal time because he can carry on training and look to be ready after that."

Beattie has a race against time to be able to feature in the game on Saturday when United encounter Cardiff City. The striker scored 22 goals last season.