Sheffield United Player's Drug Ban

14 July 2015, 12:31 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Sheffield United midfielder Jose Baxter is free to resume his career after the FA handed him a five-month ban for failing a drugs test.

The 23-year-old was suspended by the Blades in May when ''traces of a banned substance'' were found during FA testing.

The FA have given him a five-month ban, three of which is suspended for two years, effective from when he failed his test.

That means two-month live suspension has run its course over the close season and he can will continue to train with the League One club and be available for their season-opener at Gillingham on August 8.

A club statement says:

"Jose Baxter is eligible to start the 2015-16 Sky Bet League One season following the conclusion of his Football Association personal hearing.

"The player maintains that he engaged in no wrongdoing involving any banned substance knowingly, but was found guilty.

"The unexpired period of the ban has been suspended for the next two years, hence being available to Nigel Adkins during pre-season and when the league campaign kicks off in August.''

Baxter has maintained his innocence throughout and claimed his drink had been spiked.

He made 48 appearances for the Blades last season, scoring 13 goals, and looks set to be a key figure as new boss Adkins plots a promotion campaign at Bramall Lane.