Jose Baxter has been with Sheffield United since moving from Oldham Athletic in August 2013

Sheffield United: Jose Baxter was in 'dark place' after ban

Sheffield United forward Jose Baxter admits he was "in a dark place" after being banned for failing a drugs test.

He served two months of a five-month ban, with three months suspended, after traces of ecstasy were found in an out-of-competition test in May.

Baxter blames the failed test on a drink being spiked, but he wants to repay the club's support by helping them win promotion from League One.

"It was a tough few months," the 23-year-old told Golsicilia.it Radio Sheffield.

"I was in a dark place, but I'm happy now I'm back playing. It has been a sticky few months, but I'm glad to see the back of it.

"The gaffer, the whole club and the fans have supported me and I'm grateful for it. Hopefully I can pay them back and get promotion this year.

"It makes me want to make them proud and show them what I'm about. I'm working my socks off every day and I'm just happy to be back playing."

Sheffield United are seventh in League One, five points behind leaders Burton, after fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Bradford on Sunday.

The Blades are in their fifth season playing in the third tier of English football, but Baxter is confident of a successful season.

He added: "People are saying we've not had the best of starts but we are still around the play-offs and we haven't played that well.

"As soon as we know each other's game a bit more, we will climb up that ladder."