New signing Jamie Ward is under no pressure to make an instant impact at Bramall Lane, according to Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell.
The Blades have signed the 22-year-old striker for £330,000, which could rise to £400,000, from Chesterfield, but Blackwell insists he is not a replacement for James Beattie, who joined Stoke in a £3.5million deal last week.
Blackwell said: "I have brought him here primarily as a development player."
He added: "He's under no pressure because I haven't signed him to replace anybody, but to gradually develop into a first-team player. How soon, we shall see."
Blackwell added: "He reminds me very much of the likes of Andy Johnson and Paul Peschisolido - very tenacious with a turn of pace and technically decent."
Birmingham-born Ward, who has scored 16 goals for Chesterfield this season, will have to wait to make his debut for United as he is ineligible for the Blades' fourth round FA Cup clash with Charlton on Saturday.
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