Blades’ Campbell-Ryce ends frustrating time on sidelines

For the winger has been sidelined with injuries at Sheffield United, making only his second start in five weeks and scoring the winner in Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Hartlepool United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Now the 31-year-old is hoping he can show manager Nigel Clough he deserves a regular starting berth.

“I’m happy to be back playing because it’s been frustrating being away from the lads and out of the fold,” said the former Rotherham United and Barnsley winger.

He impressed as a substitute in last week’s 3-2 loss at Chesterfield, and afterwards told The Yorkshire Post: “The way I feel, a few defenders should be scared if I start the next one because I just want to take out that frustration by running riot at them.

“That’s exactly how I feel. I felt like that when I came on. I just wanted to drive at their centre-halves and drive at their full-backs.”

His 82nd-minute winner on Tuesday certainly backed up his words, with Jose Baxter – another player returning after injury – also netting for the Blades.

Clough said: “It was another terrific goal from Jose (Baxter) and it shows just what he is capable of, the main thing for him was getting 45 minutes under his belt ahead of schedule which is fantastic.

“Bob Harris produced a positive performance, he was always on the front foot and full of energy, whilst Harrison (McGahey) and Chris (Basham) did well at centre-half, they played in the Championship together for Blackpool so that was something we wanted to see for ourselves.

“Iain Turner needed a competitive run out, as did the likes of Reed, McGinn and Porter, whilst Campbell-Ryce needed to do 90 minutes after returning from injury.”