Paul Heckingbottom highlights physical and mental improvement in his Sheffield United side

Paul Heckingbottom believes that his Sheffield United side are returning back to full speed ahead of Wednesday's crucial game against Blackburn Rovers.

It has been a relentless past month for the Blades, who have played more games in that period than any other side (seven), picking up an impressive five wins and two draws in the process.

The latest of those came on Saturday as United put four past Swansea City at Bramall Lane, with Morgan Gibbs-White grabbing a brace, while Billy Sharp and George Baldock also found the net.

United are subsequently now into the Championship play-off places and there are just four points and three places seperating themselves and Rovers prior to the game.

Sander Berge is someone who has seemed to have stepped up in recent matches, while John Fleck and Gibbs-White have also been impressive at the heart of the midfield.

When asked about whether Berge's performances have been improving, he said: "I think most have been like that and it's only natural when you're coming back from injury.

"Flecky has been the same, Connor when he got in the team, Sander, Morgan coming back, it's only natural.

"Sander, in particular, you can see how fit he is physically and mentally is just as important to give him the confidence to be able to perform.

"It's different now as it's not just Saturday, Saturday, Saturday. We're performing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday at the minute. It's totally different, not only mindset but it's a toll on your body as well.

"That's where it's been really good for us to have a number of players performing well and we've been able to use them in the correct way we think."

United's hectic schedule between now and the upcoming international break continues with