Stevens on front foot

SHEFFIELD UNITED defender Enda Stevens has revealed the shackles are off for tonight’s eagerly-anticipated showdown with Manchester City.

The high-flying Blades take on the Premier League champions at the Ethiad boosted by a fine nine-game record unbeaten away run.

And Republic of Ireland international Stevens (above, left with Chris Basham) believes Chris Wilder’s ambitious side have a license to thrill as underdogs.

“There’s no shackles on any of us going out to playing Manchester City,” stressed Stevens.

“With it being City away there might be more of an onus on us to defend more than usual, but you have to take the opportunities to go forward. You have to go.

“Most games away from home you have to defend, but the manager will want us on the front foot and pressing high up the pitch. He’ll want us to win the game.

“Playing in this team gives me license to express myself. It’s a really positive attitude to go and play your football. We’ve got strong relationships all over the pitch. We’ve played with each other for two or three years now, so we all bounce off each other.”

The Blades have won three of their last four league fixtures, and a favourable result against City would only further enhance their stock since returning to the top flight after last season’s memorable promotion.

And Stevens added: “It’s a big occasion going to the champions, but we’ve not been phased by playing anyone in the Premier League.”