Vale can upset the Blades - Dodds

Dodds scored 10 goals in his first season at Vale Park

Port Vale striker Louis Dodds is hoping his side can gain revenge on Sheffield United and cause a Carling Cup first round upset.

The game is a repeat of the first round tie from last season, which the Blades won 3-1 at Bramall Lane.

"I think the new manager (Micky Adams) is a Sheffield United fan, so he'll want to get one over on them," Dodds told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It's the same for us because we want to avenge our defeat from last year."

The game is due to take place in the week commencing 10 August, with Vale hoping to improve on a poor showing in the cup competitions in 2008/09.

It's a great pitch at Bramall Lane, and Sheffield United are a massive club

Louis Dodds

They were knocked out in the first round of the Carling Cup and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, and only managed one victory in the FA Cup.

However, that victory was against higher-level opposition in the shape of League One side Huddersfield Town.

Vale were 3-1 behind with 11 minutes remaining but came back to win 4-3 at the Galpharm, although their joy was shortlived as they were beaten by Macclesfield Town in League Two.

Dodds has not ruled out the Valiants causing another shock against Kevin Blackwell's side, who finished third in the Championship last season and lost in the play-off final to Burnley in May.

He added: "It's a great pitch at Bramall Lane, and Sheffield United are a massive club.

"If we can do what we did against Huddersfield in the FA Cup, it will be a great result for us."