By Paul Holland
June 22 2002

Wilko de Vogt is poised for a rare spell in goal for the pre-season run-in, as Simon Tracey is an early doubt for the friendlies due to injury. Tracey has undergone surgery and it remains unclear whether he will recover for the start of the new campaign, but his understudy is waiting in the wings.

De Vogt will be looking to capitalise if his rival is sidelined, having made just six appearances last season after joining the club on a free transfer from NAC Breda in the summer.

The 26-year-old Dutchman was rewarded with a new contract at the end of the campaign and is hanging on in there for a chance to really show boss Neil Warnock what he can do.

Continuing the check-up on the club's injury victims, it still remains to be seen whether Carl Asaba will be fully fit for the big kick-off.

Asaba missed the end of last season's Division One campaign with an Achilles injury and although he has been receiving treatment during close-season, it is by no means certain that he will be ready for the opening game at Coventry.

The loss of Asaba would be a real blow for The Blades, especially as Paul Peschisolido is expected to be out until October with a toe injury.