New boss Blackwell - who raised Paddy Kenny from the misery of his freak own goal by dubbing him "one of the top ten goalkeepers in the country" - is concerned about United's continuing lack of firepower.

Including the fifth round replay defeat, the Blades have managed only one goal in five games across all competitions and Martin's injury, ruling him out of Charlton's visit tomorrow, compounds the problem.

Like his predecessor, Bryan Robson, Blackwell wants more wing power to correct the problem. Martin's absence has left him relying on a possible recall for Keith Gillespie and on-loan David Cotterill, who is still finding his feet after moving from Wigan.

"Bryan felt there was a need for widemen and I wouldn't disagree with that," said Blackwell.

"We've established a good tempo within the team and we are solid as a unit, but we now have to concentrate on winning games. I'm looking for more activity in the last third of the field and better quality delivery.

"It will help the front men if the ball comes into them quicker. I hope the ability is in the squad - if not, I would have to look at one or two loan signings."

Blackwell hopes Martin, on loan from Manchester United, still has a part to play as he awaited the result of a scan. "If he's going to be out for more than two months his loan will be over, but hopefully, it's not as bad as that and he'll be back in two or three weeks."

Blackwell has no such worries over a defence in which Chris Morgan and Matt Kilgallon are looking an outstanding centre-back alliance - and the dependability stretches back to Kenny despite his misfortune in conceding the extra time winner at the Riverside.

"It was no reflection on Paddy whatsoever, just a pure fluke goal," said Blackwell, in his second spell of working with the 'keeper. "Paddy is a lot sleeker-looking now and, for me, he's up there in the top ten 'keepers in this country.

"He's definitely number one on our team sheet as a consistent 'keeper who can also be regarded as a match winner."

By their own admission, United players have set a standard to follow. "They all said after the game at Middlesbrough that we have to take that sort of commitment into our League programme," said Blackwell, not ruling out an improbable late run to the play-offs. "We have Charlton, Ipswich and Plymouth - all teams right up there - in our next three games. We'll know more after that."

But the signs that a recovery is on the way are evident, not least that players are giving everything. Blackwell noted: "It said it all that James Beattie sprinted back to make a great tackle in the last minute on Wednesday."

United midfielder Lee Hendrie has joined Leicester on loan for the rest of the season - a sure sign that Blackwell is beginning to make key decisions on his squad.

Meanwhile United have taken the first steps to sign a football development agreement with Australian A-League Premiers Central Coast Mariners.

The affiliation is a substantial boost to the Blades as they continue to develop worldwide links to strengthen playing squads at all levels.

Plc Chairman Kevin McCabe, who announced a provisional (heads of terms) co-operation agreement during a business trip Down Under, said: "What we have agreed in principle with the Mariners could be of great benefit to Sheffield United."