FORMER Oakwell hero Chris Morgan is chomping at the bit to face his former side at Bramall Lane this weekend.

The no-nonsense defender, who has skippered both the Reds and Blades during his a career, has been out with a calf injury but has trained all week and is raring to get into the action.

Speaking exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Chris said: "I have missed the last two or three games with a calf injury but hopefully I will be involved in some capacity at the weekend. I hope so because this is one I am desperate not to miss.

"Having said that I have been out of the team in the last month and I am sure that Bryan (Robson) will pick pretty much the same defence against Barnsley so I am not expecting to come back into the starting eleven. Hopefully I can get on the bench.

"It is hard when you are injured but there is nothing you can really do about a calf strain. It feels like someone is jabbing a dart in your leg whenever you try and run but I have been able to train since last Friday and I am confident of being available".

He added: "It has been tough here this season and we have struggled a big because of the change of manager. It has been the same down at Oakwell in recent years but things have changed. He has brought in new players and some new ideas.

"It is not a massive change and we know that we did not start the season too well. We have picked up recently and have got a few good results.

"This thing always happens when you are relegated from the Premier League and I experienced the same with Barnsley. Everybody's expectations have increased and that includes people at the club and supporters. It is never easy coming back down because we are a big scalp for teams this season and everybody wants to beat you.

"Bryan Robson as a manager is also a scalp for teams just because of who he is and the standing he has in the game. People suddenly want to put one over on us even more and when the results do not come then you can expect a lot of criticism.

"When you look at the squad we have here at Sheffield United then we should not struggle. However, people do not just give you points because of who you have in your squad and nobody will roll over.

"We now have a Yorkshire derby against Barnsley this weekend and I am expecting a blood and thunder game. That is what the supporters will expect but everybody has to make sure that is controlled.

"I am sure it will be a cracking game played in a great atmosphere".