Man in the mask can reveal true identity at Blades

For the Frenchman currently has eight players out on loan in this part of the world, including the 'man in the mask' at Sheffield United.

Kyle Bartley was given his protective device by doctors six weeks ago after fracturing his cheekbone in three places following a collision with Nottingham Forest's Dele Adebola.

The teenage defender is playing through the pain barrier for the Blades and has still not ruled out the possibility of having to wear the mask for the rest of his career.

Only 19, Bartley tasted Champions League football with the Gunners last season and landed a new three-year deal in the summer to underline his status as a player with a big future at the Emirates Stadium.

For now, his focus is on helping the Blades climb the Championship table but he openly admits that he views his stay at Bramall Lane as a stepping stone to bigger things.

"It's all part of my education and you only need to look at England defenders like John Terry and Rio Ferdinand to see that it makes sense," he said. "They went out to a lower level to learn their trades and that's what I am doing now."

Chelsea captain Terry was loaned to Nottingham Forest at Bartley's age and Ferdinand's development was boosted by a spell under Harry Redknapp at Bournemouth.

Of the current crop of Arsenal youngsters on loan, Sanchez Watt is with Leeds United, Benik Afobe at Huddersfield Town, Gavin Hoyte at Lincoln City, Cedric Evina at Oldham Athletic and Mark Randall (currently injured) at Rotherham United.

"Sanchez is doing brilliantly at Leeds and I meet up now and again with Cedric," said Bartley. "It is part of our progression because, unlike in Arsenal's reserves, it's not just about football, it's also about getting results. When I first started playing Championship football last season it was a bit of a shock, a lot more competitive and more physical, but I think I got used to it very quickly.

"It is not just learning how to do things on the field but off it, too, things like dealing with the press which you never have to worry about when playing in a reserve team."

Bartley, ironically, is a born-and-bred notherner who hails from Stockport and started his career as a schoolboy at Bolton Wanderers. He was snapped up by Arsenal at the age of 16 and helped the Gunners the win the FA Youth Cup before becoming the youngest captain in history of the club's reserves.

Originally signed by Kevin Blackwell last season, Bartley jumped at the

opportunity to return to Bramall Lane this summer.

"It was not a difficult decision because I had just spent three months here," he said. "I spoke to Mr Wenger and asked if I would be playing this season but he thought it would be better for my career to go out on loan. Once he said that, I couldn't think of any other club I would have preferred to join.

"I am not 100 per cent certain how long I will need to be ready for the Arsenal first team so all I am focused on now is the current season and getting promoted. I am big for my age but I am still growing. I am working on my strength and I am still growing into my own body.

"At the end of the season, I will sit down with Mr Wenger, assess how well I have done, and take it from there. You would have to be stupid to say you want to leave a club like Arsenal and I definitely hope that I can make it there."

Although shocked by Blackwell's departure just two league games into the current campaign, Bartley has been impressed by new manager Gary Speed and is confident the former Welsh international will soon start lifting the club into play-off contention.

"Losing Kevin Blackwell was a bit of shock because I owed him a lot and have nothing but good words to say about him," he said. "We all sent him our best regards and I am sure it won't be long before he gets another job. But Gary Speed has brought his own ideas in and all the players have respect for him."

The Blades host Crystal Palace tonight in a televised game at Bramall Lane and will be seeking to build on a return of four points from the last two games against Leicester City and Millwall.

Home results, however, have been a disappointment so far and need to improve quickly. Palace sit next to bottom of the table but can leapfrog the Blades if they win.

"It was always going to take time for us to get used to a new manager and a different style of play but, in the last few games, I think we have shown what we are about," said Bartley. "I feel we have turned a corner now.

"Every game is important but it is important not to get pulled back by Crystal Palace as another three points could lift us into 14th or 15th spot. We are still early in the season and it only takes a few wins to lift us back into the play-offs positions.

"We know we have not had the ideal start but we have stayed positive because we know how good this team is."

The Blades suffered a major setback three games ago when captain Chris Morgan was ruled out for the rest of season by a snapped cruciate knee ligament.

Morgan's absence has left Bartley and Nyron Nosworthy as the only recognised centre-backs at the club and Speed lost out to Preston North End this week in the race to land Manchester United's Ritchie de Laet as cover.

Bartley missed only four games with his broken cheekbone before returning to action against Coventry City last month wearing the protective mask.

His desire to return to action as quickly as possible bodes well but also surprised many due to the seriousness of the injury.

"When they told me that I had broken it in three places it was a massive shock and I was gutted," he recalled. "For the first few weeks, it was very painful and I had to take pain-killers but, as the weeks have gone by, things have got easier.

"It does move sometimes when the ball hits it but I'm getting used to that and, if I have to wear it for the rest of my life, that won't be a problem. I don't think it hinders me and I will be speaking with the specialist again next week."

The man in the mask will be easy to spot tonight on TV. But if his career is to reach its goals, he will need to stand out for his defensive qualities rather than his facial attire. Wenger, of course, might just be watching.

The Big Match: Sheffield United v Crystal Palace, The Championship, Bramall Lane, 5.20pm today