Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell has sought to dampen down any controversy going into Monday's Coca-Cola Championship clash with South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.

The corresponding fixture last season saw Blades skipper Chris Morgan fracture the skull of Barnsley forward Iain Hume with an elbow, sidelining the Canada international - who is still considering legal action - for nine months.

The former Tykes skipper would have been assured of a hostile reception at his former stamping ground - were he not suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season against Newcastle on Monday.

Conspiracy theorists suggest Morgan deliberately incurred the caution so as to miss the return trip to Oakwell, but Blackwell told his club's official website: "That is rubbish. If he was, why would he do that so early in the game and then have to walk a tightrope?

"There was always going to be talk ahead of this fixture but it is a totally new game and a new set of circumstances.

"Apart from that, he learnt his trade at Barnsley, started his career there and has a high regard for that club."

Morgan adds to a debilitating list of absentees for the Blades, who are also without Kyle Walker (ankle), Jordan Stewart (calf), Gary Naysmith, Derek Geary, Andrew Davies, Nick Montgomery (all knee), Richard Cresswell (ribs), Jamie Ward (hamstring), Lee Williamson (back), Andrew Taylor (thigh) and Paddy Kenny (drugs ban).

Kenny provided a rare shaft of light on Friday by signing a new one-year contract but Blackwell, reflecting on the injuries, joked: "I think I must have run over a black cat about a month ago!"

The Tykes are in much better health, with the return of Emil Halfredsson from a back problem leaving Stephen Foster as their only absentee.

The defender is suspended and has also been kept out of training by an ankle injury, but manager Mark Robins is upbeat despite the loss of his captain.

Last Saturday's 2-1 win at Peterborough put an end to a three-match losing run, and Robins is keen to build on that result.

He told Barnsley Player: "This is a local derby and I am sure it will be a typical one. It is one we are very much looking forward to.

"We are going into the game on the back of a very professional performance against Peterborough but this game will be completely different.

"Sheffield United are a very good side who will be up there challenging for promotion at the end of the season.

"They are a big club who only missed out in the play-offs last season so I am sure they will be hoping to go one better this time around."