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