Lee Hendrie finished the season at Leicester

Lee Hendrie could still have a future at Sheffield United, insists manager Kevin Blackwell.

Blackwell has told BBC Radio Sheffield that Hendrie will return for pre-season training with the slate wiped clean.

"He comes back as a Sheffield United player," he said. "Maybe he'll flourish under a team that's doing well."

Hendrie, who has been critical of his time in Sheffield, moved to Leicester on loan in February but was unable to prevent the Foxes suffering relegation.

The 30-year-old midfielder has made clear his intention to stay at Leicester on a permanent basis. But Blackwell says Hendrie is still contracted to the Blades and is ready to welcome him back in the summer.

"I'm aware of his comments that he didn't like it at Sheffield," said Blackwell. "But he's contracted at Sheffield United and he will do everything that's required of Sheffield United unless he moves on."

606: DEBATE I'd let Shelton, Webber, Gillespie and Hendrie go, but I don't think we'll get too much money in for them. gregblade06

The New Zealander previously worked at Bramall Lane when Blackwell was assistant to Neil Warnock before moving to Leeds United with Blackwell in 2004.

The United boss brought Riddle back to Bramall Lane on a short-term basis towards the end of the season.

Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield that he is keen for Riddle to become part of his long-term plans for the club.

"We have big projects both home and abroad, " said Blackwell. "And I need someone who has got good vision and put structures in place, which Dean Riddle is exceptional at."