Kevin Blackwell will let players who have been on international duty to report for pre-season training a week later than the rest of his squad.The Blades begin pre-season at the end of June but the likes of David Carney (Australia) and Luton Shelton (Jamaica) have been away with their countries and have yet to take a break since the end of the domestic season.

Blades boss Blackwell told the club's official website: "The likes of Carney, (Gary) Naysmith and Shelton need a break from international duty to refresh them. For example, Luton is playing right up until June 20!

"They won't be required to return until a week after the rest because they will have retained a high level of fitness anyway through a summer's playing."

Scotland defender Naysmith is nursing a slight groin problem but a scan has revealed no serious damage.

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