Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough has conceded that his side's chances of automatic promotion from League One are probably over.

The Blades are currently in the playoff positions in the table, but they remain 13 points behind second-placed Preston North End.

While he maintains that there is a slim opportunity for his team to finish in the top two, Clough believes that United will have to settle for the playoffs.

"You can still make ground up, but they would have to have a serious slip-up no matter what we do, and that's unlikely," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

Sheffield United continue their promotion bid on Saturday when they travel to Scunthorpe United.