Kevin Blackwell will be handed the keys to the city if Sheffield United complete an amazing turnaround on Sunday and gatecrash the play-offs.Blades boss Blackwell and the red and white half of Sheffield have spent this week daring to think the unthinkable during the build-up to this season's Championship finale.

If United clinch a fourth straight league win at Southampton and a string of other results go their way, they will finish in the top six.

At the same stroke, defeat for Saints will ensure Sheffield Wednesday stay up - regardless of the Owls' result against Norwich at a sold-out Hillsborough - which would spark wild celebrations in the blue and white half of the city.

Blackwell would not have to pay for his favourite pint in a Sheffield bar for the rest of his life.

The former Leeds and Luton manager said: "We go into the last game of the season with all to play for.

"Eight weeks ago we were four points off relegation, so I can't praise the players enough for what they've done.

"If we're being honest, no-one would have given us a sniff of being anywhere near the play-offs, particularly on the last day of the season. We're the people that everyone is looking over their shoulders at."

The Blades were staring at an embarrassing relegation fight instead of an immediate return to the top flight when Blackwell was placed in temporary charge following Bryan Robson's departure in mid-February.

But like a steam train, United have hurtled down the finishing straight - with eight wins and only two defeats in their last 13 league matches - to give themselves the slimmest of chances.

Blackwell added: "I can't wait for the Southampton game. Both teams have lots to play for, it should be a cracker and we are up for it.

"If Southampton don't win, it will be massive for them, so it will be like going into the lions' den.

"But we'll keep cool heads and the lads have earned a couple of days off - in fact I'm almost scared to have them in for training in case any more get injured."

Blackwell expects to be without James Beattie, Ugo Ehiogu and Lee Martin.

Leading goalscorer Beattie, who has hit 22 goals in his first season at Bramall Lane, and Ehiogu are both struggling with calf strains and Martin is nursing damaged ankle ligaments.

Blackwell also faces a defensive crisis, with skipper Chris Morgan still ruled out through suspension and back-up centre-half Chris Lucketti ironically on loan at Southampton.

Blackwell is acutely aware of the ill-feeling Blades fans still harbour for the manner of their relegation from the Premier League last summer.

He added: "It would be great if we managed to go back up because there is no doubt this club suffered an injustice last season - fans and players alike.

"All we can do is give everything to get back there and I have always looked upwards, not down below us, ever since I came here. Why shouldn't we? This is a big club."

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