Kenny joined the Blades from Bury in October 2002

Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny says that the Blades have saved his professional football career.

Kenny returned to action on Saturday after completing a nine-month suspension for testing positive for the banned substance ephedrine.

"I owe the club my career because you don't know what could have happened," said the 31-year-old.

"Another club might not have gone the same route. But everybody has stood by me and I can't repay them enough."

Kenny failed a routine drug test after the Blades' Championship play-off semi-final win over Preston in July 2009 and later admitted the Football Association charge, claiming he had taken tablets to fight a chest infection.

I really did think that was me done at Sheffield United, but I got a phone call from the chairman and he said 'don't worry, I'll stand by you,' and he has done Paddy Kenny

At a hearing in September, the FA accepted that the drugs had not been used to "enhance performance" and cleared Kenny of cheating, but he was handed a ban back-dated to July 22, the day he was originally suspended.

"I really did think that was me done at Sheffield United," added Kenny.

"But I got a phone call from the chairman [Kevin McCabe] and he said 'don't worry, I'll stand by you,' and he has done.

"It made me realise I still had a future in the game and it made me determined to come back better than ever."

The ban also meant the Republic of Ireland international was unable to attend Blades training sessions, forcing him to head to a local park for his daily workouts.

"That was hard, although it was more mental than physical because I was training on my own every day, whereas I was used to training with 20 to 30 lads. I missed the banter," Kenny continued.

606: DEBATE I've heard he looks in top shape and has done well with his individual training over the past nine months. Capt'n Blade

"Being on my own I was thinking all the time, and it was hard to keep my spirits up.

"Mentally that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but it made me think I had to come back stronger."

Kenny was named man of the match in Saturday's 2-0 win over Swansea at Bramall Lane, where he was given a rousing reception before kick off.

"When I then ran down to The Kop ahead of the game I was emotional, but luckily enough I got through it," he said.

"The fact it was a home game helped. In the end it wasn't just a good reception, it was amazing, so I can't thank the fans enough and I'm now delighted to be back."

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