Osborn: I don’t blame boss for not picking me
VBEN OSBORN admits even he would not select himself in Sheffield United’s side.
Osborn arrived from Nottingham Forest for £5million last summer but has spent the bulk of this season on the outside looking in as the Blades fight for a shock European place.
Manager Chris Wilder has handed the 25-year-old just six league outings with four more in cup ties.
The midfielder accepts his bit-part role, and said: “When I take a step back, look at the bigger picture and think about the quality of the players, I ask myself, ‘If I was the gaffer would I change it?’ The answer is no I wouldn’t because the two lads in my position, Enda Stevens and John Fleck, have been outstanding.
“I signed thinking I could break in and get a bit more game time.
But maybe I underestimated the quality and consistency of the players here.
“I’ve had to be patient and play the waiting game. It’s been tough initially, and mentally I found it difficult to get my head around not playing every week.
“The way the boys are performing, it’s exciting to be around so I have no complaints. If we do get into Europe, there will be loads more games for us next season, and that’s something I want to be involved in so I can’t see me leaving.” Osborn steps out of the supporting cast and into a starring role tonight for the fifth-round FA Cup tie at Reading. He said: “It would be a dream come true to win the FA Cup, so this game is massive because if we go through, then we’re one game away from Wembley.” SHEFFIELD UNITED (probable): Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; K Freeman, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Osborn; Sharp, McBurnie.