Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell has revealed his disappointment after new signing Simon Walton was stretchered off in the 1-0 friendly defeat at Mansfield. Midfielder Walton, on loan from Plymouth, was taken off during the first half of his debut as a precautionary measure. Walton has already been ruled out of the Blades' trip to Malta next week and Blackwell told the club's official website: "His knee was injured in a challenge and he will have a scan on Monday, but he is already ruled out of the Malta trip next week." Blackwell also explained the reasons why certain key players missed out at Field Mill, adding: "Stephen Quinn is recovering from his toe operation and won't be ready for three or four weeks, whilst Darius Henderson has had an operation on his wisdom teeth and can't have contact stuff for 10 days. "Ryan France and Jamie Ward are still building up after injuries although they and Darius will still go to Malta to work with us."
Source: PA
Source: PA