Ade inspired by Wigan succes

Ade Akinbiyi is hoping that Sheffield United can follow Wigan's example.

The Blades are well placed to earn promotion to The Premiership, and new signing Akinbiyi believes they are capable of doing what Paul Jewell's side have done by defying the odds in the top flight.

"I think Wigan have done really well," the 31-year-old told Sky Sports News. "Obviously the manager Paul Jewell has done really well for the club and we've got to look to follow them if we get into The Premiership.

"Hopefully, if we do get there, we've got to try and build on what we have."

Akinbiyi was careful not to get ahead of himself though, and insisted that everyone at Bramall Lane was remaining as focused as ever on the team's Championship campaign.

"There are teams chasing us and people are talking about us catching Reading, but the boys in the dressing room are just taking each game as it comes," he stressed.

"It is in our hands whether we want to throw it [promotion] away or take it."

The forward also expressed the confidence he feels knowing that manager Neil Warnock has faith in him, and explained that he was relishing the competition for places up front.

"Neil Warnock knows what I can do, and he thinks that I fit into the team," he commented.

"We've got loads of strikers, which keeps you on your toes, but it's very pleasing when a manager has been after you for quite a while."