LOOK SHARP FOR BLADES PLAY-OFF BID

SKIPPER Billy Sharp reckons it is make-or-break time for Sheffield United this week.

The striker was out of luck when he fluffed a half chance at Portman Road, leaving the promotion-seeking Blades with only a share of the spoils. But he is sure a play-off spot is still on.

With two home matches ahead, Sharp (above) said: “It’s a massive week for us. I reckon there are two play-off places to go for, and we’re still in with a good chance.

“We have to back up the point at Ipswich with results at home, and get on Middlesbrough’s tail. We’ve had four of our past six games away from home, with long journeys and tough encounters.

“We now have to stick together, be brave and be confident. The gaffer gave us a pat on the back for our performance at Portman Road, and we feel our attitude will bring us the rewards.”

Ipswich’s back-to-back wins at Preston and then Hillsborough midweek brought them a flicker of hope for a last-ditch play-offs push. But no goals in their last four home games has left their dwindling band of support restless.

Both sides had chances, with Ipswich keeper Bartosz Bialkowski fortunate when Manchester United loanee James Wilson hit the woodwork, Sharp missing the awkward rebound.

But Bialkowski never put a foot wrong and was delighted about his call-up to the Poland squad. He said: “For me it’s a dream come true. My father died a year ago but I feel this is for him. I’m not on the World Cup plane to Russia but I’m in the queue.”