Dean Smith has respect for Nigel Clough

The Saddlers chief raised a wry smile when the subject of Koeman and Clough's much publicised bust-up came up during yesterday's pre-game press conference.

Southampton boss Koeman refused to shake hands with the Blades boss after his side were dumped out of the Capital One Cup at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night.

The former Dutch international and Clough had exchanged angry words when United scored the only goal of the game, while Koeman later chastised his opposite number for having "no respect" for him or the officials.

Yet that is not an opinion of the Blades boss recognised by Smith, who is set to lock horns with Clough for the fourth time tomorrow.

Smith said: "Ronald Koeman needs to come and manage in League One more often – he will see a lot worse than that!

"I've not seen it in Nigel, certainly. He and his staff have always been impeccable when we've played them and come and shared a drink afterward. We've never had a problem."

Saddlers assistant boss Richard O'Kelly was present at Tuesday night's game and has left Smith in no doubt just how tough tomorrow's showdown at Bramall Lane will be.

He said: "Richard went to the game and said it was an excellent game and Sheffield United deserved to win.

"He said after going to that game that he was close to buying a season ticket at Bramall Lane because the quality was that good!

"One of our old players, Flo Cuvelier, got a start and did well having been out for so long with injury. They have talent in abundance at that club and we know that.

"They have a number of players they can put in and again it is a good place to go, a lovely stadium to play at. These are games they want to play in and the players will be looking forward to it.

"We will be going there with a bit of confidence from the run we are on and I'm sure Sheffield United will have a lot of confidence, after qualifying for the semi-finals of a national competition for the second year running.

"That is a major achievement for a League One club."