Sheffield United v Sunderland: Paul Heckingbottom wants ‘fearless, front-footed approach’ at Bramall Lane

The Blades go into tonight’s Championship game at home to Sunderland with their squad for the first half of the campaign assembled in manager Heckingbottom’s eyes – at least as long as no club meets Sander Berge’s release clause.

But with a number of players injured and some still getting up to speed, they are a long way from the finished product. To be saying that after beating Millwall and drawing at highly-fancied Middlesbrough gives Heckingbottom great heart.

His side now have back-to-back home games to take advantage of what was their big strength last season.

“We’re not there, which is quite a nice feeling to have,” reflected Heckingbottom. “We’ve got these little injuries we’ve picked up, which are a nightmare, frustrating. Some of them are to experienced players.

“Tommy (Doyle)’s been injured Reda (Khadra) and (James) McAtee have come in later and they’re not up to full speed yet so imagine when they are? And there’s the relationships they build with other players in the team. The sooner one or two click and develop that, the better for us.

“Reda was just behind in pre-season but he’s had a few minutes in pre-season games, the same against West Brom and we saw real good signs there from the runs in behind and the speed he’s got.

“We’re getting to know him, he’s getting to know us and we speak a lot to him about runs in behind and playing against the last line rather than coming too deep.

“I class Reda as there, ready to be used and pushed. Tommy is a bit further behind because he got an injury before pre-season started.

“If he started against Sunderland, I know he’s coming off because he’s not up to speed.

“He’s been training great, showing what he’s all about.

“He’s a real good lad, good footballer, one of those we want to get up to speed and make it fair for him.”

The Blades took 44 of their 75 points at home last season and having won their first Bramall Lane match this term, will be looking to do similar again.

“We try to be clear on what we want a Sheffield United team to look like and that generally is a fearless, front-footed approach,” said Heckingbottom. “I think that always suits a home team.

“Maybe once you get that momentum, approaches from away teams might become different.”

Heckingbottom is waiting for the swelling in Billy Sharp’s ankle to go down before deciding whether to send his captain for a scan, but Ben Osborn is two weeks away from returning from his own ankle injury.

“(Ciaran) Clark will probably be sooner,” said Heckingbottom. “We’ll be led by his symptoms.”

Berge’s situation is unchanged, namely that no club has met his buy-out clause despite talk of interest from AC Milan.

Last six games: Sheffield United DLWLWL; Sunderland DLWDWD

Referee: J Linington (Isle of Wight)

Last time: Sheffield United 0 Sunderland 1, September 25, 2019, League Cup.