BLADES ARE READY FOR BLAST-OFF
SHEFFIELD UNITED boss Chris Wilder has given rising star Oliver Arblaster a ringing endorsement ahead of his Premier League debut tomorrow.
The home-grown midfielder (top) has featured at Championship level but will now make his top-flight bow during Brighton’s visit and is tipped for a bright future in the game.
Arblaster, 19, has recovered from a knee injury sustained in December during a loan spell at Port Vale and will feature against the Seagulls.
Wilder (below) confirmed: “I had two or three Championship clubs wanting to take Oliver on loan in January but we want him around us and involved in the changing room.
“We’ve talked about the culture here and there are some we send out on loan.
“There are also some we feel will be better involved with us to get to know what we expect and demand from them. Oliver will be involved at the weekend – he’s an outstanding young player. We had a bit of a setback with his injury at Port Vale but he’s worked to get himself back and played 60 minutes in an Under-21 game on Tuesday.”
Wilder believes a home-grown heart to his team is important, adding: “They’re message carriers, culture carriers, whether a young lad or an older player.
“They want to be here, which is great, and do well for themselves, their families and their football club.
“There’s no downside to having players of that attitude and ability coming through – and I’m delighted that we have.
“It’s a passionate football city and a lot of good players have come through to play at the highest level. We need to keep on that journey with our academy.”
Recalling his own debut for the Blades, Wilder said: “It was a bit different, I think it was the FA Cup third round in front of about 7,500 punters and we were in the old Second Division.
“It’s completely different to the boys playing in the Premier League now in front of full houses. It’s always a special occasion that you want to enjoy, you wnat to grab the opportunity, so fingers crossed it goes well for Oliver.”
Blades goalkeeper Ivo Grbic has missed the past two games due to concussion but will replace Wes Foderingham between the posts.
Defender Rhys Norrington-davies (hamstring) is set for another period on the sidelines.