Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins has faith in his youngsters for run-in

The Blades manager has allowed experienced professionals like Neill Collins to depart Bramall Lane in 2016 to create a “pathway” from the Blades’ highly-rated Academy to the first team set-up.

It meant six of United matchday squad in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Oldham Athletic came through the ranks.

Midfielder Ben Whiteman marked his full Football League debut with an impressive shift, which included two assists.

He was joined by fellow Academy products Billy Sharp, George Long, Louis Reed, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Graham Kelly, the latter an unused substitute.

And Adkins – whose side trail Bradford City, who occupt the final play-off spot, by six points ahead of Saturday’s trip to Millwall – is keen to bring more “hunger” into the Blades team.

“Attitude is a big thing for me,” he said. “Yes, we want athleticism and people who can get around the pitch.

“But the biggest thing is having people who are hungry, who want to improve, learn and get better at what they do.

“Ben Whiteman had a super game. We had young Reedy, George Long in goal, Dom and don’t forget Billy has come through the system too. Graham was on the bench as well, there’s a pathway through.

“I trust in them. Ben has stepped-up in to the first team group and he’s done some really good things in training.

“They have got to believe, if they are good enough then they’ll get an opportunity to play,” said Adkins.

“Likewise, mentally and physically, they’ll realise that playing in the arena itself can be demanding. They’ll realise how hard it can be and what is required.”

United delivered one of their best displays of the season against Oldham, fielding three centre-backs and using John Brayford and Matt Done as wing-backs.

It worked well, and Alex Baptiste, Jay McEveley and David Edgar were solid in defence, despite the late withdrawal of Chris Basham with an ankle injury.

“I thought we were resolute at the back,” he said. “Chris rocked his ankle in training and failed a fitness test on the morning of the game. But the three at the back, Alex, David and Jay, have done well.

“The lads are working hard on the training ground.”