Robins also giving youth chance to shine in derby

Neighbours Barnsley, who visit Bramall Lane today, also have a promising crop of young talent and manager Mark Robins fielded six players under the age of 20 against Doncaster Rovers last weekend.

Among those shining for the Tykes are former Blades midfielder Jacob Mellis, 20, currently on loan from Chelsea, defender Kieran Trippier, 20, on loan from Manchester City, and home-grown teenagers including Reuben Noble-Lazarus, Jordan Clark and Danny Rose.

“We have put in a few youngsters over the last couple of weeks and they have shown skill, endeavour and willingness,” said Robins. “They have grown up and given me real food for thought for the future.

“The young lads are likely to be involved again on Saturday and it will be a great experience for them,” he added. “We have got a very young squad but I’ve got a track record for giving youngsters an opportunity.”

With the Tykes safe from any threat of relegation, Robins has already started planning for next season and moves for two youngsters due to be released by Premier League clubs are in the pipeline.

Midfielder Harry Forrester, 20, is out of contract with Aston Villa in the summer and Fulham striker Matthew Reece, 19, has been recommended to Robins by Mark Hughes, his former Manchester United team-mate and now manager at Craven Cottage.

The Tykes have lost only one of their nine Yorkshire derbies this season and sit firmly on course to finish the campaign as South Yorkshire’s top club.

They still require two points to equal last season’s tally of 54 points – which has been an often stated target by manager Robins.

“We need to get a good result for Barnsley and our loyal supporters,” said Robins. “That’s irrespective of the opponents we face.”

The Tykes will be backed today by a sell-out following of 2,600 supporters at Bramall Lane.