Eric's all business ahead of second leg

Eric Dier will put all friendships to one side in a bid to ensure we emerge from Wednesday’s trip to Sheffield United with a date at Wembley.

Leading 1-0 from the first leg of our Capital One Cup semi-final, we head to Bramall Lane for the return match knowing that an intense battle is in store with both sides tantalisingly close to a spot in the final.

Versatile defender Eric knows one of the Blades’ players, having trained alongside Jose Baxter during a brief spell on loan at Everton back in 2011.

But, having witnessed the vociferous support of United’s fans at White Hart Lane last week, the 21-year-old says it’s all business as he anticipates a difficult atmosphere in South Yorkshire.

“I played with Jose Baxter in the reserves at Everton and he’s a really good guy, but obviously we’ll be looking to get one over on him and his Sheffield United team-mates on Wednesday night,” said Eric.

“We saw last week that their fans really got behind their team and I’m sure with a full stadium of their supporters this time it’s going to be hard.

“We’re going to have to be at our best if we’re going to get through.”