Chris Basham earns Sheffield United praise for positive attitude

The Blades lead the way in League One – with 60 points from 30 games – ahead of Saturday’s trip to Peterborough United.

They ended a three-game winless run with a 4-0 thrashing of AFC Wimbledon last weekend, and while Wilder was pleased with his starting XI, he has also been impressed with the rest of the squad. A case in point was Chris Basham’s positive reaction at being dropped on Saturday, in favour of Jake Wright.

“People will talk about the spirit of the team,” said Wilder.

“Chris Basham’s reaction to not playing, and he’s been one of our outstanding players this year on and off the pitch, was outstanding.

“He was first in the changing room, he was all over the lads making sure they were prepared and ready to get going.

“That, for me as a manager, is great to see. Other people will look at the 4-0 scoreline. For me though, seeing people like Bash doing that, is possibly even more so.”

Basham was part of a strong-looking bench on Saturday, which also saw Caolan Lavery and Samir Carruthers – two new arrivals at United this season – enter the action.

Another two new signings, Manchester United youngster Joe Riley and former Chesterfield midfielder Jay O’Shea are still waiting to make their debuts, were unused substitutes, along with goalkeeper George Long and Matt Done.

The strength in depth bodes well for the remaining third of the season.

“All of the lads who have come in, they’ve really impressed,” said Wilder.

“They’ve all given us a good problem.

“Samir on his debut a month ago, Jay O’Shea has taken the club by storm and has been so unfortunate not to start.

“Caolan has done well and then there’s Joe knocking on the door too.

“The numbers, is it bloated? No. And there are some great young lads in there. Don’t forget them.”

Former Blackpool defender Basham was a half-time substitution for Ethan Ebanks-Landell, the on-loan Wolverhampton centre half, who was taken off due to a niggling hip injury.