Nicky Law today hailed Stuart McCall for rescuing him from the football wilderness.

Law turned in an outstanding display to sign off his loan in Saturday’s season-ending win at Chesterfield.

And then the Sheffield United midfielder paid tribute to the impact McCall has made on his own game.

Law said: “I’d personally like to thank the manager. He’s saved my career and I’ll remember that forever.

“At the start of the season I couldn’t get anywhere. I was just playing reserve-team football, sometimes training with only eight people and at my age that’s no good.

“So this has been amazing season for me. I never expected to come out on loan and play over 30 games and I’m really grateful to the manager for that.

“I’ve got stronger, which I needed to do, and developed my game. And I also feel comfortable in all three positions in midfield where before I was just an out-and-out central player.”

But Law admitted he will leave Valley Parade with one big regret – City missing out on the play-offs by just two points.

He added: “It’s heartbreaking for everyone. The manager is so passionate about the club and the fans have been great for us all season. All I can say is sorry that we haven’t done it. We know we should have been in the top seven and we’re gutted.”

Goals from Dean Furman and Michael Boulding clinched a 2-0 victory at Saltergate, only City’s second away triumph in 14 games. It meant they finished in ninth spot.

Law said: “I don’t think it was your typical end-of-season game, especially on our part anyway.

“We were under strict instructions not to let it drift and I don’t think Chesterfield were expecting us to come out as well as we did.

“I wanted to have a good last game personally and I’m glad we got the result for the fans.

“I’ve enjoyed the whole experience of playing for this club.”