JOHN McGREAL has handed Burnley a boost by declaring himself fit to face Sheffield United at Turf Moor tonight.

The Clarets defender underwent X-rays over fears he had fractured a cheekbone following a nasty clash of heads during the 2-1 opening day defeat to Crewe.

However, with Steve Cotterill again expected to be down to the bare bones for the first home game of the season, McGreal has been given the all-clear to take his place at the heart of the defence for the Roses clash

"John is okay," said a relieved Cotterill. "He had a hefty bang that has been X-rayed, but he hasn't got a fractured cheekbone which we are delighted about because that was the initial thought."

The Clarets boss has called for a more polished performance from his side tonight following a game of two halves at Gresty Road.

He added: "It's all new again and naturally you are disappointed to lose the first game, but we have to kick on now. On another day, when we have worked harder and done a few more of the things we have in training, we will win that game.

"But until we do that, it will be a little bit roller-coaster like Saturday was.

"While we were disappointed with our performance, there were some good points in the second half. But it's gone now and we need to move on against Sheffield United.

"They are always popular visitors apparently, so I am sure there will be a good crowd tonight and they will know we will be up against it against one of the favourites to be up there.

"I have seen Neil (Warnock) talking about other teams having big squads, but I wouldn't mind his!

"I think he has a majorly healthy squad with some very good players, so I am sure they can do very well this season."

Warnock has already fired a typical pre-match salvo across the Pennines, warning his side to expect a stern physical confrontation at Turf Moor, kick off 7.45pm.

But Cotterill, who will make a late decision on Michael Duff's injured knee, insisted: "Physical battles are part of the game.

"People say that Crewe are not physical, but I didn't see them duck anything.

"It is part and parcel of the game and some of the best players in the world are physical. We coped with it well last year, but it will only be physical if we don't pass the ball quicker than they do."