SHEFFIELD United beware! That's the warning from Burnley utility man Graham Branch, who believes the Clarets head to Bramall Lane this weekend brimming with confidence.

Despite being unbeaten at home and losing just one of their last 10 matches, the Blades have lost their sharpness in recent weeks, winning just one in four to surrender their position as Championship leaders to Reading.

And Branch, who returned to the side for the first time in nine games last weekend, reckons Steve Cotterill's side need have no fear about facing Neil Warnock's promotion favourites.

"Sheffield United have hit a bit of a lull lately," said the Clarets longest serving player.

"They did well to beat Sheffield Wednesday (1-0 last weekend) but they have had a few dodgy results and the way we are playing at the moment we shouldn't fear anyone in this league.

"We will go there with the same determination that we have shown in the last seven or eight games we have played and if we do that, I can see us coming away with some points.

"Obviously I have been on the sidelines, but I have watched the games and we've been playing very well. I go back to the fact we don't need to fear anyone in this division because we are easily capable of beating anyone."

Branch made an immediate impact in his first outing for seven weeks following a knee injury, supplying the inch-perfect cross that allowed Ade Akinbiyi to earn a well-deserved point at Southampton last weekend.

And after getting 90 minutes under his belt, the versatile 33-year-old is now hoping to keep his place this weekend as he edges his way back to full fitness.

"It was my first game back in seven weeks and I enjoyed it, even though I was pretty tired after the first half and again towards the end," added Branch.

"The gaffer asked me if I was okay with about 15 minutes left and I was dying to say 'no'. I just hit a brick wall, but I didn't want to come off because we were doing well and I thought we could actually go on to win the game.

"If you are involved in a team that is doing well you want to stay on the pitch as long as possible and the 90 minutes was just what I needed. I need games and if I can get a few more then hopefully I can get back to the way i was playing before I got injured."