The Blades manager insists summer signing Hendrie, loaned out to Leicester two days after Blackwell had replaced Bryan Robson in mid-February, will be given every chance to shine at Bramall Lane.

Blackwell told the club's official website: "Certainly I'm prepared to accept that water has now gone under the bridge as far as Lee and United are concerned, and it's time to start again for everybody's benefit."

Blackwell added: "I'm aware of the comments he made at the time about wanting to play for Leicester, but he will do everything that is required of him at this club.

"I only had him for about two or three days, but he had an opportunity that we all felt was right which he took.

"Sometimes the profile of a player doesn't match a struggling team and it could be that as we now have a winning one, Lee could flourish here next season."