Blades skipper Billy remaining Sharp

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 been used sparingly so far this campaign, making one other start and 12 substitute appearances.

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.

Sharp 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 has 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 Blades boss.

“It’s easy when you’re playing and scoring, and Billy has scored so many goals for us, to carry out those leadership duties and when you’re not it’s a little bit more difficult.

“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.”

Chris Wilder hailed the leadership qualities of his captain Billy Sharp.