AFC Rushden & Diamonds manager Elliot Sandy has praised Sheffield United icon Billy Sharp for his commitment to his side after the striker came out of retirement to play for his former club.

Sandy was delighted with the former Blade at full-time, despite his side losing 4-0 and consequently being knocked out of the FA Cup.

It was the first time in their history (since their club went into administration) that they’d qualified for the first round of the competition.

The Diamonds enjoyed spells of the game where they were on top, and had several chances to score. Ultimately, it wasn’t meant to be for Sharp or the visitors.

Speaking to The Star at full-time, Rushden’s boss showed how grateful he was that the former United man had agreed to not just play the match, but also travel from Sheffield to train with his players twice in the week.

He said: “Billy's been unbelievable all this week.

“He stayed behind for a few beers with us on Tuesday. He just wanted to be around the lads, and he always jokes that he's just a lad who loves football, and he's shown that this week. He's 40 years old, still gives absolutely everything in training.

“Today, it was just amazing to have a player like him around the group.”

Sandy admitted he’d only been managing for three and a half years and learned aspects of the game from the EFL legend.

“As a young manager myself, just listening to him and his ideas and stuff as well, I'm going to take them on [board], and I just thoroughly thank him for his efforts today.”

The Diamonds manager shared that the 40-year-old helped with preparations ahead of the game.

“He had knowledge as well about Burton and how they play and certain players. So we tweaked little things to try and help that in a positive sense.

“So he's obviously really clued up,” he added.

Sharp had a chance to score his 300th career goal in the dying moments, bursting into the box but dragging the shot just wide.

“It would have been incredible. That would have really finished his story, and he's written so many over the years.

“As he's running, I'm ready to go down. We were 3-0 down at the time in the 92nd minute; if that had gone in, I think we'd have all been down there taking a booking.”