Sheffield United: John Egan explains why FA Cup tie at Millwall is a 'load of balls'

Whereas matches in the Championship are played using a ball manufactured by Puma, another company, Mitre, provide the equipment for fixtures such as United’s third round tie at The Den.

Although the change, which has come about because of the different marketing deals struck by the English Football League and officials at Wembley, is rarely considered by supporters, journalists and pundits alike, Egan says the players themselves do notice a change, telling The Star: “You do feel it, to be honest. The one we’ll be using here is a lot lighter. It feels like a beachball compared to the one we use most weeks.”

In order to mitigate the potential problems this situation might cause, particularly for goalkeepers and those tasked with taking set-pieces, United have been working with the Mitre version at the Randox Health Academy this week. Millwall, who also compete in England’s second tier, are expected to have taken a similar step before reverting back to Puma next week. After returning from south London, second-placed United are scheduled to host Stoke City next weekend while Gary Rowett’s team, which is sixth, travel to Middlesbrough.

“We rolled the FA Cup balls out at training on Monday,” said Egan, who scored United’s equaliser during Monday’s draw with Queens Park Rangers. “So there’s a feeling of occasion about what is coming up around at the moment.”