Why Sydie Peck's first Championship start for Sheffield United was no surprise to Chris Wilder

The Blades suffered a big blow the day before Saturday's visit of Derby County when talisman and stand-in captain Oliver Arblaster suffered an ankle injury in training and was ruled out.

But in a tight game, midfielder Peck not only played an important part in a 1-0 win but went the distance, having a shot saved in what, with stoppage time, was the 100th and final minute.

Peck had a loan spell at Conference side Oldham Athletic two seasons ago, made his Blades debut as a Premier League substitute at home to Brentford in December and added three further substitute appearances this season, plus a first start against League One Wrexham in the League Cup – the only game Arblaster had not started since early March.

But being selected over summer signing Jamie Shackleton for his first Championship start against rivals of Derby's stature was a big deal for the 20-year-old, who responded with an intelligent performance that was neat in possession.

"He's cool as a cucumber, that boy," said manager Wilder. "Nothing fazes him so I'm not surprised.

"We prepared for Shacks to come on for Sydie but he was pressing late on, he made some really good decisions on the ball and we're delighted for him, he's a popular boy.

"He had some big shoes to fill and he certainly filled them.

"He thinks he should be playing for Real Madrid and England. I'm not going to knock that out of him but he's got a bit to do before Carlo (Ancelotti) gives me the call.

"He's a good kid, competitive, he can play. He's a tough boy and part of a really good group.

"They're an incredibly tight group and they need to be to fight their way into games and out of them."

Gustavo Hamer's free-kick early in the second half was the difference in a competitive game which saw both sides hit the woodwork, but which the Blades had the better of to continue their unbeaten start to the Championship.

In celebrating, Hamer revealed an undershirt with a tribute to former Blades women’s player Maddy Cusack the day after the anniversary of the Derby-born midfielder’s death.

"I'm delighted to get a 1-0 win and a clean sheet," said Wilder.

"It was a bit bitty at times from our point of view, especially first half. You've got to give credit to Derby and the set-up, they made it difficult.

"We had to be patient, we just didn't knit it as well as I'd like. The players got a little bit frustrated with each other and the game so we calmed that down at half-time.

"We moved the ball a bit quicker, showed good energy right the way through the second half and found a magnificent winner.

"We found the winner through Gus and our game management was absolutely spot on late on."

His opposite number, former Rotherham United manager Paul Warne, reflected: "I'm pretty proud of my lads, we tried to win the game. "We... not lost our way but Sheffield United got in the ascendancy. I did think it would be a set piece goal and it was one of only a few midfielders who could put it in the top corner from there."