Blades boss Wilder praises Sharp for leading by example during spell on sidelines

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has hailed the leadership qualities of his captain Billy Sharp.

Sharp has started the last three Premier League matches but until then had made only one other start and 12 substitute appearances this season.

The striker, who celebrated his 34th birthday last week, was pushed down the pecking order by the summer arrivals of Lys Mousset, Oli Mcburnie and Callum Robinson, who is now on loan at West Brom, and has had to be patient to get his chance.

Sharp, pictured, might have felt aggrieved at such treatment after scoring 87 league goals during the past four seasons to help propel the Blades from League One to the top flight. However, Wilder insists his attitude and temperament have been exemplary throughout.

“He hasn’t played as much as he would have liked. Off the pitch, he’s been a fantastic leader,” said the boss.

“When you sign players, or keep people at the club, you’re looking to sign and keep good people as well. You want ambitious players. You want ones who can overcome disappointment and are selfless. You want ones who can face up to challenges.

Billy had offers to leave in January but he wanted to stay. It’s been a different type of test, not that I want to put him through a test, but it is, and he showed his reaction. It speaks volumes.” Sharp was on the scoresheet on Sunday as the Blades came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at Bramall Lane.

The win moved them up to fifth in the Premier League table and to within two points of Chelsea, who occupy the final Champions League spot.

Wilder again refused to be drawn on the subject of qualifying for Europe but Eddie Howe insisted versatile Blades are “in the mix”.

His Cherries are only two points above the drop zone with Chelsea, Liverpool, Wolves, Manchester United, Spurs, Leicester and Manchester City still to play but he said: “It’s a challenge we will relish. We still have a great chance with the quality in our squad.”