Paul Heckingbottom expecting team selection boost for Sheffield United clash with Middlesbrough

Paul Heckingbottom is hoping his plans for the visit of Middlesbrough on Tuesday night are boosted by the return of George Baldock.

The right wing-back missed Friday night's draw with Nottingham Forest having struggled with a knee injury.

Like so many of the Sheffield United players recently, the 28-year-old had been playing through the pain barrier, but after going down during the 1-0 defeat at Millwall, it was decided he needed a rest to avoid any long-term damage.

With Jayden Bogle already out for the season, it opened the door for 18-year-old Femi Seriki to be handed his full debut.

Left-footed midfielder Ben Osborn came on midway through the second half and did well, but Heckingbottom will be keen to see the experienced Baldock back in his natural position for the visit of another promotion rival.

He also needs bodies back after a spate of injuries has seen his squad depth tested, so Baldock getting the green light to feature would be a huge boost.

Having rested him for the 1-1 draw with Steve Cooper's men, Heckingbottom is hoping that will be sufficient for him to return to the starting line-up.

"It's not serious," he told Yorkshire Live.

"He went down at one point during the game at Millwall.

"We were ready to make the change but Steve [Humphries, physio] said he would be fine to carry on and George wanted to carry on but, obviously, if it's getting worse each game there has to come a point where he's going to have to miss one.

"Hopefully, we have got it right and made the right call with leaving him out of this one.

"He has been carrying it, Rhys has and Conor Hourihane is now.

"I can take that, that happens during the season but it's the boys who we are missing long term for the season. That's the kick in the