NIGEL Adkins thinks Phil Parkinson has done a "cracking job" with City.

The Sheffield United boss is plotting a response to successive home defeats at Valley Parade tomorrow – but he is full of admiration for the hosts.

Adkins said: "They'll be tough. Phil has done a cracking job, you can see that with the cup runs.

"We know it will be competitive and that they've got massive strengths. We've got to combat those but also impose ourselves on the game.

"I'm not hiding away from the fact that we've lost our last two and the momentum we'd built up before the international break has now gone. We want to regain that.

"You've got to work your socks off and earn the right to play. There's a hunger about the players to do well and a collective spirit."

The Blades suffered Bramall Lane misery against Bury and Colchester but Adkins, who had Che Adams back after illness, insists all was not doom and gloom.

"One of the big things for me is that, yes we didn't win those games, but we created probably more chances that we've had all season," he said.

"That's something we want to keep on doing. You can always take something away from a game to keep the confidence high.

"You are never going to have it all your own way. We need a good camaraderie and we want to make those lads on the pitch at any given time feel ten feet tall."

Parkinson, who was at Tuesday's game, is waiting to see if Adkins will adopt a less cavalier approach for the Yorkshire duel.

The Bantams boss said: "Colchester were excellent first half and probably could have scored more. Equally Sheffield United had some good chances and it was a very open game.

"When you've conceded six goals, it will be interesting to see the reaction and whether Nigel changes anything."

Fulham have blocked United's bid to take centre half Dan Burn on loan because they are short on numbers.