Blades extend Harley loan ahead of Saturday's match

This Saturday's opponents, top-of-the-table Sheffield United, have announced that they've been successful in retaining the services of full-back Jon Harley for another two months.

Harley is on loan to The Blades from Fulham, and the extension means that Harley, 24, will spend the maximum permissable three months on loan at Bramall Lane.

The former Chelsea player spent two months on loan with Neil Warnock's side last year and the Sheffield boss is pleased the extension has been agreed.

"With our current injury situation we have to strengthen, and the directors are working hard to help me in the quest for new players", said Warnock.

"We have been fortunate with Jon and I'm pleased that Fulham have allowed us to have him for two more months.

"We are all glad that he is on board, and I'm sure that he'll feel the benefit of having a few games under his belt."

Limited tickets left for Saturday's Blades clash

Sunderland AFC and Sheffield United have both advised that there are only a limited number of tickets still available for this Saturday's match at Bramall Lane (KO 3pm).

Almost 4,300 tickets have already been sold for the away supporters' seating allocation and only a few remain.

Prices:
Adults £20
Senior citizens £12
U16 £12

Due to the match being less than 48 hours away it's unlikely that SAFC will post out tickets ordered now, and would prefer purchasers to collect their tickets in person from the ticket office at Black Cats House, opposite the Stadium of Light.

For the away supporters' guide to Sheffield United, click here

Euro 2004 call-up for Irish duo

Sunderland defender Gary Breen and midfielder Colin Healy have both been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming Euro 2004 Qualifying game.

The duo are part of the Irish side who will take on Switzerland in a must-win Group 10 clash, with Breen in line to earn his 57th cap for his country. The Republic are currently level with Russia on 11points, with Switzerland topping the group on 12 points.

The game will take place on Saturday 11th October at the St. Jakob Park Stadium in Basel.

Reserve team fixture change

Sunderland's forthcoming reserve fixture against Liverpool, originally scheduled for Monday 3rd November 2003, has been postponed.

The rearranged fixture will now take place on Wednesday 17th March 2004, at Durham City FC, 7:00pm kick off.