Toni Kallio has joined Sheffield United on a month’s loan this afternoon.

The Finnish international defender, who can play either at centre back or left back, and is expected to go straight into the Blades squad for Saturday’s trip to Bristol City. Manager Kevin Blackwell revealed the deal was the result of Kallio’s solid performances for the reserves.

He is a big, strong player and the reports we had on him playing for Fulham reserves suggests he has done quite well.

Roy Hodgson’s decision to give Kallio the chance of first team football in the Championship suggests that young Chris Smalling is next in line behind Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes in the central defensive stakes.