English League Division One play-off final: A "devastated" Dean Windass has hit back at claims that he walked out on Sheffield United after being told he would not be involved in this afternoon's Division One play-off final with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The 34-year-old was told by Neil Warnock on Wednesday that he would not be included in the 16 for the club's big day at Cardiff and decided not to travel to Wales after being given the option by his manager.

But amid suggestions he had stormed out of the team hotel, Windass yesterday issued a statement to explain his position.

"I would like to make a statement to correct misleading speculation concerning myself and the First Division play-off final," he said. "On Wednesday morning, I was told that I would not be included in the 16-man squad for the game in Cardiff. I was naturally devastated, particularly as I consider the event to be the pinnacle of my football career.

"The manager explained that he understood my feelings and would therefore not expect me to go.

"I was so distraught and devastated at this decision that I felt I needed the support of my wife and family and made the decision not to travel. In reaching that decision, my concern was also for the welfare and the positive attitude of the selected squad, who need to focus on the game.

"I'm sure the supporters will understand and sympathise with the position in which I was placed.

Warnock is likely to pair Steve Kabba with Carl Asaba in attack for the clash with Wolves, a game which will lead to the promised land of the Premiership for one of the sides.

But his decision appears to have been based on the need to include goalkeeping back-up for Paddy Kenny by handing deputy Gary Kelly a seat on the bench.

Wolves manager Dave Jones has only one selection headache ahead of the trip to Cardiff, but after consulting a specialist over the severity of his knee injury, striker George Ndah is expected to be available to face the Blades.