Rangers face a daunting trip to Bramall Lane - the home of Sheffield United - for their maiden away league fixture of the campaign on Saturday.

The Blades, who opened their season with a disappointing last-gasp defeat against Birmingham City last weekend, are amongst the favourites to gain promotion to the Premier League.

And Chairman Kevin McCabe believes a return to the top-flight of English football is the minimum requirement this season.

"Success is what's on the agenda and that success to me is getting back to the Premier League next season," he said recently.

"We're working hard to make this happen but a fair wind is also needed."

In Kevin Blackwell, they have a boss whose ambitions match that of their hierarchy - as well as the Clubs supporters.

Blackwell - the former Leeds United and Luton Town gaffer - stepped into the Bramall Lane hot-seat in February, following hot on the heels of Bryan Robson's departure.

His impact was quite sensational, as he completely revitalised the Blades' season, guiding them to a ninth place finish in the Championship.

James Beattie, who scored 22 goals in all competitions, was the talisman for United, but in his absence last weekend, the Blades were blunt.

Kevin Phillips' 92nd minute strike won it for Birmingham, to deny Blackwell's men a draw their performance probably just about warranted.

It was a defeat that Blackwell found hard to stomach, commenting: "It is exceptionally hard to take this loss.

"I don't know how Kevin does it, he had one opportunity and scored.

"I will give Kevin all the credit but I am so frustrated. We were very well organised and they did not give us too many problems.

"But we have put down a marker that we will be tough to beat and hopefully we will get our run of luck later in the season."

Team News

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie is pushing for a recall following his goalscoring exploits in the Carling Cup in midweek, but experienced duo James Beattie (knee) and Keith Gillespie (ankle) remain sidelined.