TRUSTY BLADES
Wilder says United are not just a Billy Sharp team..his fringe players are a cut above as well
CHRIS WILDER has hailed the unsung Sheffield United heroes he claims are key to their promotion bid.
Striker and captain Billy Sharp has received most of the limelight for United’s magnificent season with 22 league goals and Wilder fields virtually an unchanged side every game.
But the Blades boss insists fringe players like Richard Stearman, who came off the bench to score the winner against Middlesbrough in midweek, are also playing their part.
Stearman has made only two league starts this season and Wilder says he will need all his squad over the tense run-in.
“People like Richard are playing big roles,” he said. “One hundred per cent. They’ve been hugely important to what we’re doing and are still trying to.
“I’ve been unbelievably impressed with their attitudes, with how they’ve pushed others on. But, being honest, I’ve not been surprised either.
“It shows how professional these lads are that they’re ready to step up. We’ve told the whole group, now more than ever, people have got to be ready to come in at any given time.”
Wilder (left) may break his habit of naming an unchanged side for today’s clash with Reading because he is concerned about playing less than 72 hours after the Boro win. “We have to be right tactically going into these games and we are trying to cram 15 games into eight, 10, 11 weeks,” he added.
“The way we play at our best is when we play with energy and enthusiasm. To do that, we need fit and fresh players.
“But we have to make sure we’re not safe with our selections. We can’t think we’re just going to turn up and steamroller people.”