Sheffield United's Oliver Norwood leads the team out onto the pitch during the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday April 27, 2019. See PA story SOCCER Sheff Utd. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Ollie Norwood (16) celebrates as his side all but secure their place in the Premiership.

Northern Ireland midfielder Oliver Norwood is all but celebrating his third successive promotion to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old captained Sheffield United to victory over Ipswich Town to basically rubber-stamp their place in England's top tier next season on Saturday evening.

The Blades are now six points ahead of third placed Leeds United, who have two games left to play. With Norwood's side boasting a goal difference of 13 better than Leeds, promotion is all but secure.

The end of Blades' 12-year top-flight exile could even be mathematically confirmed as soon as Sunday if Leeds fail to beat in-form Aston Villa at Elland Road.

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It's the third time in three seasons Norwood has been part of a promoted squad.

First he played in 33 games as Brighton sealed their passage to the Premiership back in 2017.

However, Norwood was then sent out on loan to Fulham, where he featured in 39 matches as the Fulham won the Championship play-offs last season.

Once again, however, Norwood was denied the chance to play in the top tier, moving to United initially on loan and then completing the permanent switch in January.

After eight successive seasons in the Championship, he will be hoping to now finally get his chance to cut it in the top tier as he has started 42 of his side's 45 league games and played a leading role in their success.

Belfast Telegraph