The Blades boss is already without skipper Gary Naysmith for the trip to Watford due to a knee injury sustained in midweek against Chesterfield.

Now midfielder Hendrie's injury has created a space for Carney to fill.

Robson said: "Lee had his operation this morning and is going to be out for six to eight weeks, which is a bit of a blow."

But the loss of Hendrie and Naysmith was tempered by the expected return of central defender Chris Morgan.

Robson added: "It's good news that Morgs is back in the squad - we've missed his leadership qualities - but Naysmith tweaked his knee and he's probably going to be out for two weeks."

STOKE have received a huge boost with the news that captain Danny Higginbotham has not broken his ankle as was initially feared.

Higginbotham was forced out at half-time of the Carling Cup defeat at Rochdale in midweek and the former Derby defender went for a precautionary X-ray yesterday.

But the scan revealed no break or ankle ligament damage and he has an outside chance of playing against Charlton on Saturday.

Higginbotham said: "The results are back and there is no serious damage. It's a big relief and already the ankle is feeling a lot better. I could hardly walk on it on Wednesday."

SCUNTHORPE have signed Chelsea youth-team captain Jack Cork on loan until January.

The teenage midfielder is expected to go straight into manager Nigel Adkins' squad for the Iron's first home Coca-Cola Championship match against Burnley.

But Cork's inclusion is subject to the 18-year-old declaring himself fit after flying in from Malaysia where he has been competing with Chelsea in the World Youth Club Championships.

CREWE have signed CHARLTON striker Chris Dickson on an initial one-month loan.

The Gresty Road club had wanted to take the 22-year-old on a six-month deal, but Addicks boss Alan Pardew has promised to reassess the arrangement after four weeks.

Dickson goes straight into the Alex squad which travels to meet Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

SHREWSBURY manager Gary Peters has launched a scathing attack on departed striker Derek Asamoah, who the Shrews boss has begrudgingly sold to Nice for a £50,000 fee.

Asamoah has signed a three-year deal with his new club after, Peters claims, going AWOL from Town so he could join the French side on an initial trial.

The Town chief said: "Derek took it upon himself to disappear - there was no permission asked for or given - and we had no knowledge of his whereabouts.

"We found out he had gone to Nice, was there on trial and played in a game for them even though he had no clearance from the Football Association, Football League or Shrewsbury Town.

"I spoke to the FA, Football League and Professional Footballers' Association and all agreed he was going to be sacked when he returned and we would hold his registration.

"With him disappearing like that, I think it is better for everyone he goes to another country and he has probably gone in a manner that fits his selfishness.

"He was a selfish player and a selfish person and I have no qualms about Nice illegally trailing him when he should have been with us - if he is not what they think he is then they will have got their just rewards."

CHESTERFIELD forward Paul Shaw has been allowed to leave the club due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

The 33-year-old joined the Spireites from local rivals Rotherham in June 2006 and went on to make 34 appearances for the club.

"Paul is an experienced player but there are currently limited opportunities for him so it seemed best all round for us to reach a settlement on his contract," said Spireites boss Lee Richardson.

The Spireites have also signed SHEFFIELD UNITED midfielder Nick Travis on loan until December 31.

BRENTFORD have agreed a deal with CHARLTON to extend defender Grant Basey's loan spell for a second month.

The 18-year-old has impressed during his short period at Griffin Park and made his debut for the club in the 1-1 draw with Mansfield last weekend.

Basey also featured in the midweek Carling Cup first round defeat by Bristol City, and Bees boss Terry Butcher has seen enough to extend his stay.

WREXHAM have requested a work permit for Silvio Spann after agreeing a deal for the midfielder.

The Trinidad and Tobago international has impressed Dragons boss Brian Carey during a trial spell, and the club have lodged an application with the Home Office after finalising a deal with Spann's club Vibe CT 105 W Connection.

"If and when a work permit is granted, we will push on with the normal procedure of gaining his international clearance and registering him with the Football League," read a statement on Wrexham's official website, www.wrexhamafc.co.uk.