Three Sheffield United players who are most key to Championship promotion push

Sheffield United head into the international break inside the Championship play-off places. Paul Heckingbottom's side returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Barnsley on Saturday, lifting them up to fifth in the table.

Results elsewhere went the Blades' way over the past weekend, with Queens Park Rangers, Huddersfield Town and Blackburn Rovers all losing, giving the Blades a chance to make up some ground on the sides in and around them. It has been a remarkable rise since Heckingbottom took over back in November and the Blades are looking in a solid position to make the top-six.

There has been a number of players who have been crucial to their up-turn in form. With that in mind, YorkshireLive have taken a look at three men who have played the most minutes for the Blades this season, subsequently becoming key to their promotion push.

With Jack O'Connell still out and other centre-backs struggling for form, Egan has stepped up massively this season. The Republic of Ireland international has played the most minutes out of any player and he has showed maturity and resilience in his performances this term.

Egan has started every single Championship match in 2021/22 and is the only outfielder to play 3420 minutes in the entire division. It is a feat that has made Egan so important and he will no doubt be integral in the Blades' push to win promotion.

There could be an argument to be had about whether Morgan Gibbs-White or Wes Foderingham have been more important to the Blades, but Norwood's consistency and experience puts him in the top-three. He has started all but one game since Heckingbottom's arrival - with a 0-0 draw at Huddersfield Town the only time he hasn't been in the XI.

Norwood has either played a