Beattie had been expected to start this weekend's game against Alan Irvine's side after confirming his recovery from a groin problem with a combative second-half cameo during the 1-0 victory over Barnsley.

But Blackwell's decision to implement a selection policy based on form rather than reputation means that Beattie is facing the prospect of another frustrating afternoon on the bench as the former Leeds and Luton chief contemplates asking Rob Hulse and Billy Sharp to spearhead United's attack.

"Beatts is well aware that he's got a fight on his hands now," Blackwell said.

"Gary Speed, Michael Tonge and David Carney too.

"When I look at the bench and see Ugo Ehiogu and Chris Lucketti then it's pretty obvious that Matthew Kilgallon and Chris Morgan, who I believe are developing a fine partnership, have to keep doing the business too."

Preparations for the trip to Lancashire will begin in earnest today when Blackwell returns to South Yorkshire following last night's 1-0 friendly win at Ferencvaros in Budapest. Abdi scored the winner from a Jon Stead cross after 10 minutes.

The game, which commemorated Bramall Lane's decision to invest in the Hungarians, has had limited impact upon Blackwell's planning given the fact that several senior members of his first-team squad have been absent on international duty.

Having moved to within two wins of sixth-placed Plymouth, United, who climbed to 12th following their triumph at Barnsley, know that only a fifth victory in succession will keep-up the pressure on the teams above them in the table.

Beattie must hope that knowledge, combined with a record of 15 goals in 35 appearances this season, will persuade Blackwell that it would be folly not to start with him alongside Billy Sharp although Hulse has impressed in his last two outings.