Blades set to Sharp-en up
FRANK LAMPARD’S faith in youth can pay off during a crunch Christmas period, according to one of his favoured rookies.
English right-back Jayden Bogle, 18, was on the fringes of the Derby first team before Lampard came in as boss but has since become a regular.
The Rams’ draw against Bristol City left them with little margin for error during a daunting upcoming schedule.
Derby take on Championship heavyweights Sheffield United on Boxing Day, Norwich on December 29 then Middlesbrough on New Year’s Day.
Energy is needed in this pivotal period – and Bogle is relishing the chance to shine for Rams boss Lampard.
The teenager said: “I’m a young player and there are a lot of young players in SHEFFIELD UNITED hero Billy Sharp savoured his 13th goal of the season – but readily accepts that competition for his role may be on its way.
The striker, 32, has defied his critics who claimed he was past his prime when he was signed up for his third spell at Bramall Lane four years ago.
But though the muchtravelled hitman has proved to be a great success – 76 league goals in 145 matches – he knows that new signings could be drafted in next month.
The man who was made club skipper by Blades boss Chris Wilder said: “The gaffer wants players to come in and make us stronger. People always want more firepower and we need to strengthen to keep us battling for a top-six place.
“As for me, I just have to keep on doing my job.
“If players come in and give us greater competition to get us into the Premier League, then so be it.” the squad. Everyone wants to prove a point.
“Frank Lampard has given us the opportunities that every young kid wants. He has helped me progress. It’s massive for someone like him to put you in. He is a legend.”
Although Bogle did not make any major errors, his more experienced captain Richard Keogh messed up when he headed the ball towards Jamie Paterson, who scored the opener.
But Derby managed to grab a point through Martyn Waghorn’s classy finish before half-time.
The Robins took their unbeaten run to five games and boss Lee Johnson praised his midfielder Marlon Pack, saying: “When Marlon got booked it was a worry, but he handled it very well.” Sharp’s 47th-minute header at Portman Road brought back memories of that day in November,
2011, when Sharp scored for the Blades just a week after the death of his twoday old son Luey Jacob.
The Ipswich fans gave Sharp a standing ovation, even though they lost 3-2.
On Saturday, United dominated, only to fall behind to a super
38th-minute strike by Ipswich’s Ellis Harrison against the run of play.
The striker, signed from Bristol Rovers for
£750,000 in the summer, was making his first start for boss Paul Lambert after being out for 10 weeks with an ankle injury.
Lambert described Harrison’s goal as “brilliant” but admitted he needs to bring in experience in January.
He said: “Our young players are doing us proud. But I need more help in January.”