Walton aims to make most of new chance with Blades

At 22, Walton also says the opportunity to revive his flagging fortunes with the Blades is 'unbelievable' coming after a four-year 'nightmare'.

It was Blades manager Kevin Blackwell, in his previous role at Leeds, who set Walton on the road to potential stardom.

However, when financial pressures forced Leeds to sell Walton to Charlton Athletic for 1m in 2006, things soon turned sour for the youngster, who had been tipped for a glittering future.

Walton has 12 months left to serve on a contract with League Two side Plymouth Argyle but will spend the whole of next season on loan with the Blades.

"I wish I could put my finger on where things went wrong," said Walton yesterday. "I sort of fell out of love with the game and spent last year on loan at Crewe which was a kick up the bum!

"To go from where I was as a teenager to what has happened in the last couple of years means something has gone very wrong somewhere down the line.

"It has been a bit of nightmare, personally, so to get the opportunity to come to a club as big as this now is unbelievable," he added.

"It may sound silly but it was beyond my expectations."

Blackwell revealed that Walton had agreed to waive any right to appearance fees or win bonuses in order to secure his move to Bramall Lane.

The Blades manager also feels the value of Walton's versatility – he can play midfield, full-back, or at the centre of defence – is worth the gamble that may be involved.

"When I was at Leeds, people regarded Simon and Aaron Lennon as the 'bright young stars' of English football," he said. "Aaron has gone on (playing for England in this summer's World Cup) but Simon has not!.

"Sometimes you look at a player and say 'where did it all go wrong?' Well, I am giving him an opportunity to put right. He has everything you need but needs to work hard and realise how much dedication is required to survive at the top level."