Fleetwood Town v Sheffield United - Hard-working George Long believes Blades can raise their game

OPTIMISTIC: Sheffield United goalkeeper, George LongOPTIMISTIC: Sheffield United goalkeeper, George Long
OPTIMISTIC: Sheffield United goalkeeper, George Long
In a season of under-achievement so far at Sheffield United, goalkeeper George Long's return to form has been one of the few success stories.

The Sheffield-born goalkeeper was tipped for the top when he made his Blades debut as a 17-year-old in 2011.

Five years later, and Long, now 22, has been forced to fight for the No 1 shirt at Bramall Lane.

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He was even farmed out on loan to Oxford United and Motherwell over recent seasons to gain precious first-team experience.

Rotherham United's Richard Wood.
 Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeRotherham United's Richard Wood.
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Rotherham United's Richard Wood. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

He started in goal in manager Nigel Adkins’s first game in charge, a season-opening 4-0 loss at Gillingham on August 8, but was then dropped in favour of Mark Howard.

Three months later, Long was recalled and has been United’s first-choice goalkeeper ever since.

“You are going to get left out of the team at some point, it’s how you take that and bounce back,” said Long.

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“You can’t accept it, then blame other people for whatever happened. You just have to get back on the training ground and work even harder.

Rotherham United's Richard Wood.
 Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeRotherham United's Richard Wood.
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Rotherham United's Richard Wood. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

“I have done that and found my way back into the team. That’s just down to hard work and putting the hours in.”

It is a work ethic the Blades need to adopt if they are to secure a play-off spot.

Four points off the top six, United travel to Fleetwood today in urgent need of a win.

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“Confidence is not sky-high, but we are still a confident team, we have a lot of ability in the dressing room,” said Long.

“It’s a team that is more than capable of getting out of this league, and putting a good run of form together.”

Last six games: Fleetwood DDWLWW, Sheffield United LWLWLL.

Referee: R Clark (Northumberland).

Last time: Fleetwood 0 Sheffield United 0; November 15, 2015; JP Trophy.

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