Blades stick by Kenny

The Irish 'keeper is banned from playing football for any club until the penultimate game of the campaign - Sheffield United's being Swansea City at home - the final home clash of the season.

The FA prohibited Kenny, 31, from being between the sticks for the Blades for the eighth consecutive season when he tested positive for a banned substance which was in a cough medicine he bought from over the counter.

The Football Association cruelly gave Kenny a nine-month ban, something which Kenny attempted to overturn with an appeal which was heard last month - his appeal failed which means he still cannot train or play for any club until April.

At last, Paddy has received some good news when he and the club both agreed to extend his current contract - which was about to expire at the end of this season - until 2011.

Kevin McCabe, the Blades chairman, said: "After discussions last week with Kevin Blackwell when the ban was re-affirmed after the appeal we have decided to talk to Paddy and get him on a new contract which will kick-in as soon as his suspension finishes in April.

"Although he can't train with the squad or at Bramall Lane owing to FA rules he has to ensure that he is up and running and training hard on his own to get ready for a real challenge on his return - all supporters know what a great goalkeeper he is and we have missed him."