Sheffield United v Brentford: New Blades chief Morgan is putting his faith in youth

Teenagers Joe Ironside, Callum McFadzean and Elliot Whitehouse all stepped off the bench on Saturday to help the Blades close out victory in Morgan’s first game as boss. And as the promotion race intensifies with a potentially season-defining game against Brentford tonight, Morgan has vowed to continue calling on the youngsters to strengthen his squad.

“What you get with youth is they play without fear,” said Morgan, who has spent the last season and a half coaching United’s academy before being asked to succeed Danny Wilson last Thursday, following his sacking.

“What you need from them is to show a maturity and the knowledge that’s needed. The last thing we’re going to do is introduce young lads that are unable to contribute to the team.

“All our young players should want to play at the top level, and if they do that they need to play in high-pressure situations – like against Brentford. I have no qualms in using them at all.

“We’ve shown the trust in them all season because they’ve all been involved.

“I involved them because they’ve got something to offer for the team and the squad.

“All three have hearts as big as a dustbin lid, they’ve got maturity and they’ve got energy. All three contributed to that win immensely. It’s five young guys when you count George Long and Harry Maguire – they are all part of the first team.”

United played with a greater tempo in the overdue home win on Saturday and Morgan wants them to replicate that tonight as they seek to claw back ground on the top two.

“When you’re at home you need to play with a tempo, which we did against Swindon,” he said. “We never gave them a chance as an away team to settle, because as an away team you want it slow so you can get a foothold in the game.

“Our result on Saturday has given us plenty of confidence, but we know what a test Brentford are going to be. Uwe Rosler has got them well-organised, well-drilled and they’ve got goals in the team.

“Without looking at the table we know what sort of game it is, we know what is riding on the outcome of it.

“What we did on Saturday was put distance between us and Swindon. If we can win (tonight) it pegs Brentford back. That’s the simple fact.”

Richard Cresswell has been recalled from his month-long loan spell at York City, but needs a scan tomorrow on an Achilles injury sustained in the Minstermen’s win over Northampton on Saturday.

Last six games: Sheff Utd LWDDLW; Brentford WWLDWW.

Last time: Sheff Utd 2 Brentford 0; August 13, 2011; League One.

Referee: K Stroud (Hampshire).