Ryan Nyambe hopes to have put a seed of doubt in Tony Mowbray’s mind but admits it will be difficult to win back his place at right back.

With Elliott Bennett having started all five Championship games so far, and being made club captain following the departure of Charlie Mulgrew, Nyambe knows the extent of his challenge.

But the Namibia international hopes that his showing at Bramall Lane, and having demonstrated he can play in central defence during his time at the Africa Cup of Nations this summer, more opportunities will be just around the corner.

His appearance against the Premier League side was his 100th for the club, four years on from his debut in the competition against Shrewsbury Town.

“I think I put it in the back of his mind,” Nyambe said.

“Benno is playing at the moment and is the team captain so it will be difficult for me to get back in the team.

“But I have to get my head down and keep working.

“Of course (it’s frustrating), like any footballer I don’t want to be sat on the sidelines watching the team.

“But you just have to support the team.”

Bennett travelled with the squad to Bramall Lane but was given the night off by Mowbray.

Nyambe tired as the game went on, and limped off in need of treatment in the closing minutes. But he dispelled any fears of another injury, having struggled with hamstring issues over the course of the last two seasons.

He explained: “I think it was just the workload I put in, just cramp, nothing worse.

“I felt good, felt sharp, strong, just getting the game-time was good because I’ve not been playing too much.

“And think that’s why I just got a bit of cramp. But I’ll be fine.”

Nyambe came off the bench in the latter stages of Saturday’s draw with Cardiff and made it a century of appearances when starting against Chris Wilder’s side.

“I was surprised to be honest, it’s come around quick,” he said of his milestone.

“It’s a privilege and I’m really happy.

“I feel like I’ve been around the first-team for a while now.”

Rovers could count themselves unfortunate to be knocked out, dominating most of the game but two first-half goals from Richard Stearman and Ollie Norwood proved to be their downfall.

Adam Armstrong saw an early penalty saved and Blades goalkeeper Simon Moore was much the busier.

And Nyambe believes troubling a Premier League side can stand them in good stead when returning to league action on Saturday against West Bromwich Albion.

“I think we gave them some big problems, created some good chances,” the 21-year-old said.

“It was just unfortunate with the goals we conceded and the chances we missed.

“I thought we were the better team, but they’re a Premier League side and they punished us by taking their chances.”