McAuley injury fear

IPSWICH Town are today seating on the fitness of skipper Gareth McAuley after he limped out of Northern Ireland's 1-0 win over Slovenia with a hamstring problem.

Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town are today seating on the fitness of skipper Gareth McAuley after he limped out of Northern Ireland's 1-0 win over Slovenia with a hamstring problem.

McAuley was replaced after just 16 minutes into the World Cup qualifier after pulling up while playing right back for his country.

The Blues centre-half will be assessed today when he returns from international duty around lunch-time but there is a real fear he will miss out on the trip to Sheffield United.

Alex Bruce came through unscathed after being away with the Republic of Ireland but did not play.

If McAuley does not come through then Bruce will vie with Iv�n Campo and Pim Balkestein for a starting place at Bramall Lane.