The Sheffielder had a bittersweet time of it at Bramall Lane, failing to score in two years there, the majority of which was spent out on loan with the much-travelled forward farmed out to Oldham and ironically Town.

But, despite not establishing himself with the Blades, the 31-year-old insists he enjoyed his time there – although he is keen to silence several United-supporting mates by helping Town to victory in tonight's second-round clash (kick-off 7.45pm).

Beckett, Chris Lucketti, David Unsworth, Danny Cadamarteri face their former employers as do ex-Terriers strike Jon Stead and Blades' chief Kevin Blackwell, assistant during Neil Warnock's tenure at the Huddersfield helm in the 1990s. And Beckett – for one – is desperate to play tonight after not featuring at the weekend.

The marksman, who joined the Blades from Stockport for £50,000 in 2004, said: "I live in Sheffield and always have done and a lot of my mates are United fans. I'd love to play.

"I don't know what the manager is going to do, if he is going to rest players, but if I'm picked I'll be ready.

"I got a move there from Stockport for a short space of time and Neil Warnock was very similar (to Stan Ternent) in that he demanded winners.

"It's two big clubs. We played them pre-season and it was a good game. It's always nice to have a cup run, but the league is your priority and that's most important.

"The gaffer wants first place (in League One), but getting promoted is an achievement in itself and you know with the players coming in and the money that's been spent that getting promotion is a must.

"Everyone knows that. The fans want it, the board wants it and the manager wants it and now it's all about the players gelling together as a team that can get promoted."

Town have failed to show their promotion credentials so far this season with poor home performances against Stockport and MK Dons – which have accrued just one point – sandwiched between a 0-0 draw at Colchester and Ternent's troops without a league win.

Tough taskmaster Ternent left players under no illusions before a competitive ball was kicked that if they're not doing the business heads will roll with Town needing to get back in the supporters' good books tonight.

Beckett added: "The manager will not settle for second best, he has already drilled that into us and if you don't do it, you're out.

"It's been up and down for me.