SHEFFIELD United midfielder Oliver Norwood has appeared to take aim at Middlesbrough, claiming Michael Carrick's side "thought they were promoted" after the February win at Bramall Lane and slamming what he believes were over the top celebrations.

Norwood says Boro's joy after their 3-1 success against Sheffield United motivated the Blades to go on and win automatic promotion.

Boro closed the gap on second place United to seven points when they won at Bramall Lane with the Blades in the middle of something of a wobble at the time. The gap continued to close and, at half-time of Boro's game against Huddersfield early this month, the teams were separated by just a single point, before the Terriers came back to beat Carrick's men and Sheffield United went on to beat Norwich.

The Blades have kicked on since and need just two points from their final four games to secure automatic promotion.

Norwood says Paul Heckingbottom's side have handled the promotion pressure well, but appeared to have a dig at Boro. The only other team to beat Sheffield United in February were Millwall and although they have been in the play-off mix, they've never threatened the top two.

He said: "A team beat us in February and the noise they were making in the tunnel probably lit the fire in us to say ‘no, that’s not happening’.

"They thought they were promoted that night. We've been through it, we understand there's going to be highs and lows. You can't win every single game in football. It’s near on impossible, especially in the Championship.

"Our mentality's been the same all the way through and has been the same from when Hecky took over to now. If we lose a game, pick the bones out if, park it and move onto the next one.

“The teams who are most consistent are the most successful. It's a marathon. Some teams set off in a sprint and they're at the bottom now. Others pick it up and Coventry are a prime example.

"You can't underestimate having a group who've been through it before and know what it takes."

The Northern Ireland international added: "We spoke pre-season and the aim is to be promoted. To put ourselves in the position we have is testament. It’s not just to the 11 lads out there but the subs, the lads who are injured.

"If we have a defeat it's not the end of the world. One team beat us and thought they were promoted in February, which was interesting. You can’t get too carried away and you can’t get too low.

"It's a different mentality within the group and for us players who've been through it it's been guiding the ones who haven't at times and keeping calm heads. I think we’ve done that really well."

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Sheffield United play Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday evening so aren't in Championship action, but can win promotion when they host West Brom on Wednesday.

Norwood said: "It's exciting. With the results (this week) you can't help but get excited and look at it.

"It's pretty clear the picture now - go win on Wednesday and you're back in the Premier League. That’s been the goal for the season from everyone here, all the staff who work here and at the club.

"Everyone's put every effort to get back there and us as players get the privilege to go out there and represent the football club. The quicker we can get it done the better… and the quicker we can celebrate."