FOR weeks the narrative in the Championship promotion race has been the battle between Sheffield United and Middlesbrough for second place - but Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom isn't ignoring the threat of Luton Town.

The Hatters are top of the form table and moved level on points with Boro thanks to their derby victory over Chris Wilder's Watford at the weekend.

And for all Boro have looked the most likely to catch second placed United, Heckingbottom is wary of Rob Edwards' side.

"I have been talking about Luton all season, haven't I? They are there now and their form is excellent," Heckingbottom told Yorkshire Live.

"They don't give anything away and I think Luton and Middlesbrough still have to play each other, so Luton's fixtures are good for them.

"They will fancy their chances as well with the form that they are in."

While Heckingbottom is keeping a close eye on what's happening behind, he believes the pressure is very much on the chasers in the promotion race rather than his Sheffield United side - particularly on the back of the impressive weekend win at Norwich.

He said: "Every time we win a game it puts more pressure on the sides below us – I want them to be worrying about us and what we are doing, not the other way around.

“We are now in a position where we can concentrate on what we are doing, just think about ourselves. No-one else matters if we keep picking up the points.”

After Sheffield United's win at Carrow Road, Norwich boss David Wagner made his view on the race for second place clear.

Asked if the Blades will hold off the challenge from behind, he said:  "Yes. "When you see what they were able to bring on from the bench, how they played and how they fought as well I think they have enough and they will win promotion. I am quite sure of that."

Sheffield United could move nine points clear of Boro with a game in hand when they host struggling Wigan at 3pm on Friday, with Carrick's side not kicking off until 8pm against Burnley.

Luton travel to rivals Millwall in Good Friday's early kick-off.