PAUL Heckingbottom admits his Sheffield United players were boosted after Middlesbrough dropped points against Stoke City, with the Blades taking full advantage as they beat Sunderland in controversial fashion to move six points clear of Boro.

Heckingbottom was honest when quizzed on the latest twist in the Championship promotion race, admitting he was "glad" Boro failed to beat Stoke City at the Riverside. And he says his players, who watched the game, felt the same way.

But what then pleased the Sheffield United boss even more was the fact his side took advantage by picking up all three points at Sunderland.

The Blades came from behind to beat the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light, with Tommy Doyle scoring a controversial second half winner.

Asked whether his players were boosted by Boro dropping two points the night earlier, Heckingbottom said: "It shouldn't but I'm not naive enough to think it doesn't.

"I have a job to do and can't get carried away. Am I glad they dropped points? Yeah, course I am. But I don't want it to affect us and I don't want to get involved in that rollercoaster and me not perform every day because I'm getting carried away or anxious, and I don't want the players to do the same.

"But I know players were watching it, I know they'll be glad they dropped points, it's human nature, but we have to focus on us."

Sheffield United have faltered in recent weeks, losing four of six games before their trip to Sunderland and coming in for a fair bit of criticism. Heckingbottom has been trying to block out the noise.

He said: "I spoke to the players before we went out to warm up.

"It's easy for me. I haven't got time to read it, look at it, listen to it, you guys fill me in with the questions, and I probably take it a bit for granted that I want them (the players) to blank out the noise. But you can't, you live in a city, you're getting criticised. This isn't just players, it's staff.

"We beat Reading we're going up, we lose to Luton we're not going up, Boro drop points we're going up. If we let that affect us, we're on that rollercoaster. We have to forget it and focus on the pitch."

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Heckingbottom had sympathy for Sunderland and Tony Mowbray after Sheffield United's controversial winner. Sander Berge was in an offside position and made a play to touch the ball as the Doyle free-kick flashed across the box. Berge didn't make contact but was clearly interfering with play. Mowbray said the match officials had apologised to Sunderland staff after the game and admitted they got the decision wrong.

Heckingbottom said: "If I'm Tony I'm claiming for that 100%. We're due about a dozen of them.

"It's harsh on Tony. He's not blocking the keeper's sight and there's no touch. I don't know the exact law."