Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson will urge his players to relax when they take on Bolton in the FA Cup at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.The Blades are running low on confidence after a disappointing first half of the Championship season has led to an air of tension at Bramall Lane.

But Robson believes his misfiring players can rediscover some form away from the stifling pressures of league football in the third-round clash.

Robson told the club's official website: "Unfortunately we go in with a lot of injuries and that doesn't help.

"Gary Speed and Michael Tonge can't play because of suspension and the agreement we've got with Bolton.

"So we're down to the bare bones, but the team I put out there can go and relax and enjoy the occasion and give it a real go.

"We've got a chance because Bolton are down towards the bottom of the Premier League, so their confidence isn't sky high, but we know it will be a tough game.

"They've got some very good players like Anelka and Diouf, but we can go there and give it our best shot."

Robson, who has endured calls for the sack from a section of Blades fans, whose side's promotion chances have begun to wane, hopes the trip to top-flight Bolton will serve as a reminder of where his players want to be.

He said: "We go to Bolton and play against some very good players and that's a good challenge for our boys, who'll know how far they've got to go to achieve Premier League football."

Robson became the first player to lift the famous old trophy three times as a player during his days at Manchester United following victories over Brighton (1983), Everton (1985) and Crystal Palace (1990) in Wembley finals.

He said: "The FA Cup never loses it's magic. Even as manager of Middlesbrough, I took them to the Cup final.

"We didn't go on to win it, but it was a great occasion. I always say you never go into any game to lose it and if we do get a good cup run then so be it.

"It's a fantastic feeling. People always ask you that question and it's difficult to explain, but the emotions and the delight when it's something like the FA Cup are amazing. It was a great honour."

But Robson hinted the competition was not one of his priorities at Bramall Lane this season as he plots a way back towards the top end of the table during the second half of the campaign.

He added: "Sometimes a Cup run can get in the way, especially if you get injuries, suspensions and obviously more fixtures.

"But then again you never go out not to win a game."

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