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Pools star Neil Austin has declared himself thrilled as the draw for Round One of the Carling Cup paired Chris Turner's men with Sheffield United.

Austin made almost 150 appearances in five years with Barnsley earlier in his career and was brought up on a footballing rivalry with the two Sheffield teams.

And coming up against the Blades in what will be Pools' first home game of the season is the perfect start for the tough-tackling full-back.

"I still keep an eye on Barnsley's results obviously and Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday were their main rivals when I was playing for them.

"I actually missed playing against United because they were in the Premier League when I was at Barnsley so this will be the first time I'll have come up against them.

"It's a great draw for us and it would be nice if we could put in a strong performance and get the fans on our side at home early doors.

"We showed last season we can compete with higher division sides by beating Coventry and we also were very unlucky against Burnley so we'll approach the game with confidence."

As news of the draw filtered through, Austin expects family and friends to be on the phone asking for tickets for the game set to be played in the opening week of the season.

"I am sure my dad will enjoy seeing the draw come out because I know he works with a few Sheffield United fans!" he explained.

"I still speak to their skipper Chris Morgan from time to time too and I know he'll be up for the game - he takes no prisoners!

"But we will have no pressure on us and they will not fancy coming to our place so we have to be positive and take the game to them.

"If we can just have Sheffield Wednesday at home in the league the following Saturday then that would be the perfect opening week for me!"