Sheffield United will be without Ched Evans, Kyle Walker and David Cotterill for their first-round Carling Cup clash against Port Vale at Bramall Lane.

All three players are on international duty and Blades manager Kevin Blackwell will be forced into several changes from the side that drew 0-0 at Middlesbrough on Friday.

Ian Bennett will replace on-loan Blackburn goalkeeper Mark Bunn - Paddy Kenny is still suspended due to a failed drugs test.

Lee Williamson is sidelined with a back problem sustained on the pre-season tour of Malta and both Jamie Ward and Lee Hendrie are suspended.

Summer signings Kyel Reid and Glen Little could both make their first competitive appearances and Billy Sharp is hoping to feature after remaining on the substitutes' bench at the Riverside.