ILLNESS could mean a change in goal for Wanderers at Bramall Lane.

Phil Parkinson has confirmed that Ben Alnwick missed two days of training in the build-up to this afternoon’s promotion decider because of a virus.

Mark Howard, who featured for 90 minutes in the development squad’s victory over Barnsley on Monday night, could make a return to the team against his former club.

“Ben was ill going into last weekend but we stuck with him and he’s missed a couple of days at the start of the week,” the manager confirmed. “We’ll have to keep a check on both keepers and make our decision.”

Parkinson also feels for the supporters who have missed out on the opportunity to follow their team today, following Sheffield United’s decision to recall 2,000 tickets at the start of the week to sell to their own fans.

Wanderers were forced into a panic sale of the remaining 100 seats on Monday after the Blades made their choice to close the lower tier of the Bramall Lane stand to away support.

“I’m not sure that was quite right, considering we gave them 4,000 at the Macron,” said the manager. “They are hyping this game up and rightly so, it’s a top-of-the-table clash.”