Osborn’s all ready to help Blades cut it

BEN OSBORN is ready to put his body on the line for Sheffield United as they chase European and FA Cup glory.

The Blades return to Premier League action flying high in seventh position in the table, and later this month they host Arsenal at home in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

And Osborn (above), who has been starved of first-team starts this season, believes the crammed schedule could work in his favour in what promises to be an intriguing return to action.

“It’s been tough, but it’s something you’ve got to deal with as a footballer,” admitted the midfielder.

“It’s definitely been a learning curve, but one that I’m grateful for.

“I’ve realised how to conduct myself and still wanted to do as well as I can for the team because I realise we are on to something special.

“It’s going to take everyone involved to finish strongly – and I want to try and do my bit.”

Osborn, 25, joined the Blades on a three-year deal from Nottingham Forest last summer.

But midfielders Ollie Norwood, John Fleck and John Lundstram have impressed this season, so Osborn has had to wait patiently for his chance.

“It was definitely tough at the start, it was something I had to deal with,” said Osborn.

“I was just waiting to get my chance in the cup games. It was tough trying to settle into a squad that had been together for a long time and knew the formation so well.

“But all I can do is give it everything I’ve got, give everything in training, and when I get my chance in games to take it.

“The lads have been brilliant, so there are no complaints from me.

“They’ve all been outstanding, but the back eight have been pretty consistent all season.

“You’ve seen everyone raise their game and it’s a consistency more than anything else – every single game they have been turning up.

“I’ve just got to try and get on the same level and wait for my chance.

“Thankfully, we’ve had a bit of an FA Cup run so my game time has not been as low as what it was.”

Osborn has mainly impressed as a substitute in the Premier League this season, with his longer performances having come in cup competitions.

But a full 90 minutes in the Premier League is what the former England Under-18, U-19 and U-20 international dearly craves.

“Potentially, this is a good time for me, so I’ve got to look towards it,” stressed Osborn.

“That would be great if I could get a chance – that’s something I’ve got to be ready for when it does happen.

“I’ll certainly be doing everything I can to make it happen when it comes.

“I’ve had a few chats with the manager Chris Wilder.

“He’s been happy with me and he says I’ve been doing the right things in training.

“I’ve been working hard on how I can really bed myself into the formation, and I’ve been doing everything I can to help.

“I’ve just got to grab my chance when I get it.”