The left-sided man has found himself completely out of the picture at the English Championship side after he allegedly made an outspoken attack on his manager.

Carney was quoted slamming the tactics of Blades boss Kevin Blackwell on his return from his stint with the Olyroos at the Olympics.

Carney later denied making the remarks and insisted he was determined to fight his way back into the first team...however he hasn't even made the bench since, despite starring in the reserves last week when he scored.

Now Central Coast Mariners boss Lawrie McKinna hopes to bring him back to the A-League on loan as an injury replacement for Dean Heffernan.

But the move has been put on hold while McKinna waits to hear from Sheffield.

McKinna today admitted to au.fourfourtwo.com that a recent call had been put in to Bramall Lane (the home of partner club United) over whether the former Sydney FC man might be available but as yet there was no news either way.

"That (issue) has been flagged, yes, but we've heard nothing," said McKinna.

When the two clubs announced their link up earlier this year, a mutually beneficial exchange of players was thought to be one of the benefits.

McKinna actually visited Sheffield United in the summer and it is thought at one stage the Mariners were close to landing Lee Hendrie on a loan deal.

Whether or not the Blades are willing to release Carney on a short term deal isn't clear but McKinna makes no secret of the fact he's love to have him on board.

He said: "It would be good to have him, even for the short term and he would know a lot of the boys who play in the league."