Walsall v Sheffield United: Billy Sharp backed to fire Blades to promotion

The former Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United striker has netted just once – in the 3-0 win over Fleetwood – in nine games, dating back to September.

Previous to that, Sharp had bagged six goals in seven games, and Blades boss Nigel Adkins is backing the striker to start scoring again soon.

“I know, at this level, Billy is going to get chances and that he’s going to put them away,” said Adkins. “The big thing is believing in him and I certainly do.

“I believed he’d score the goals for us (at Southampton) to get promoted from the Championship to the Premier League and he did.

“He scored the goals, at vital times too, that meant we weren’t just relying on people like Rickie Lambert. It took a bit of time for him to settle but he did.

“Sometimes, it’s a game of inches. Like last weekend (against Southend) when he was so unlucky to hit the post.

“I trust Billy and I believe in Billy like I do others here. We’re creating chances and he’s got to be ruthless enough to take them but he is, don’t worry about that.”

“It’s all about partnerships and relationships. For us to go up, we need to score goals and keep clean sheets.

“Billy started with Conor (Sammon), he’s worked with Matty (Done) and now he’s getting a good partnership with Che (Adams) who might be better suited through the middle; we’ll see.”

United sit nine points off top two, Gillingham and Coventry City, ahead of today’s Walsall trip.

“Some players are coming back, others are getting fitter,” said Adkins. “That puts us in a better position to get consistency and then get consistent performances and consistent results. The two go together.”