Burnley defender Michael Duff was a surprising omission from the panel.

BBC: NI trio sit out training session

The trend continued after the break - a deft Elliott backheel setting Robbie Blake free while Michael Duff came within inches of converting a Thompson header across goal - as the Blades struggled to cope with their opponent's superior invention.

BBC: Burnley 1-0 Sheff Utd

Cyprus should have equalised in the 15th minute when Dimitris Christofi blazed over from five yards out after Shay Given had blocked Michael Constantinou's angled shot following a Duff miskick.

BBC: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Cyprus

Roman Pavlyuchenko's crisp effort and Michael Duff's own goal gave the hosts a crucial advantage for the second leg.

BBC: Tottenham 4-1 Burnley

Michael Duff found the ball at his feet from a corner but only managed to poke the ball straight at Arason.

BBC: Iceland 2-1 Northern Ireland

Roman Pavlyuchenko and Michael Duff's own goal gave the home side a formidable advantage for the second leg and leaves them on the brink of a second successive Wembley appearance.

BBC: Redknapp relief at cup turnaround