The former Aston Villa and England midfielder produced a performance that fully warranted the standing ovation given to him from the fans after scoring a delightful first-half goal and terrorising the Port Vale defence throughout the Blades' 3-1 Carling Cup triumph at Bramall Lane.

After a brief spell on loan at Leicester last season, Blackwell admits that seeing Hendrie in such potent form is akin to making a new signing.

He said: "I'm delighted for Lee because before I arrived the crowd turned on him in his last game against Scunthorpe – which was a large part of the reason I let him go to Leicester.

"But he's come back, worked his socks off and to get a standing ovation goes some way towards his full rehabilitation. But what I'm excited about is that I've got a new player.

"His goal was typical Lee Hendrie – back to the old days. When it fell to him he still had a lot of work to do but he finished it in style.

"I think Lee has got to wake up to the natural, God-given talent he's got and maybe he has to work that little bit harder to keep that consistency.

"Everyone knows he is capable of it and after Wednesday night, he can be very proud of himself."

Blackwell's side were made to sweat by their lowly visitors when Luke Rodgers darted ahead of veteran centre back Ugo Ehiogu to slide home Louis Dodds' right-wing cross and cancel out Hendrie's classy first-half opener.

But the Blades soon showed their Championship pedigree and, despite a noble effort from the Valiants, restored their lead through a stunning volley from midfielder Stephen Quinn in the 71st minute.

Danny Webber put the game beyond doubt from the spot in the final minute.

Blackwell admitted he was relieved to see his side succeed where the likes of Barnsley and Norwich failed by progressing to the second round despite a brave fight from the visitors.

"We knew it was going to be a tough one and all credit to Port Vale," said Blackwell.

"It could have been a lot more comfortable but we knew, facing lower league opposition, that it was never going to be a very comfortable evening.

"We showed a little bit of rustiness at times but I'm not going to criticise my lads because they stood up to the test and this is a competition that, as we saw, can see a lot of Championship teams bow out early.

"So it was about getting through and being professional about it."

The Blades can now look forward to a mouthwatering derby at Huddersfield Town in the second round, the tie to be played the week commencing Monday, August 25.

Ends