Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp has been offered a chance to come out of retirement for AFC Rushden & Diamonds' upcoming FA Cup first round tie. The 40-year-old, who announced his retirement earlier this month, confirmed the approach from the non-league club where he first made his name. His former club, Sheffield United, are currently handling a challenging spell of form, having taken just one win and one draw from their last five Championship matches.

Sharp spent a prolific loan spell at Rushden in early 2005, scoring nine times in 16 games. The club, now in the eighth tier, has reached the FA Cup first round for the first time since its rebirth as a phoenix club in 2011 after the original side folded.

"Yes, Rushden have asked me to play for them in the FA Cup first round," Sharp said.

The tie is scheduled for November 7, and the emotional pull is strong for a player who netted his first career goal for the club. Sharp recently retired after two seasons with Doncaster Rovers, finishing his professional career with a hat-trick on the final day to reach 299 career goals.

"They were the first club I ever scored a goal for," Sharp added.

While considering this potential swansong, Sharp's former club Sheffield United are preparing for their next Championship fixture against Wrexham at home on 30 October. The Blades' recent form has been mixed, with one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five league outings, a sequence that includes a 1-1 draw with Derby County last time out. That result on 24 October saw Patrick Bamford score a 79th-minute equaliser, assisted by Romelle Donovan, after Bobby Clark had put Derby ahead. Prior to that, United secured a 1-0 away win at Bristol City on 17 October thanks to a fifth-minute goal from Oliver Arblaster, but suffered defeats to Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Fleetwood Town.

Patrick Bamford, who scored United's equaliser against Derby, is the team's current top scorer with five goals in 11 appearances this season. Fans can view the full upcoming fixtures schedule as the club looks to build momentum.

First reported at thestar.co.uk