Sheffield United: Blades stars placed on stand-by

Nigel Adkins, the Sheffield United manager, has warned every member of his squad must be prepared for action or risk undermining the club's promotion chances.
Jamal Campbell Ryce (left) will be hoping for more opportunities over the coming weeks 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedJamal Campbell Ryce (left) will be hoping for more opportunities over the coming weeks 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Jamal Campbell Ryce (left) will be hoping for more opportunities over the coming weeks ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

Despite naming a settled starting eleven in recent weeks, a policy which has limited opportunities for the likes of Che Adams, Jose Baxter and Jamal Campbell-Ryce, the former Southampton chief told The Star that should not be interpreted as a sign they are surplus to requirements at Bramall Lane.

“Everybody has to make sure they are ready,” Adkins said. “Ready for a chance and ready to take it when one arises. Yes, we want to be as consistent as possible when it comes to the team but that doesn’t mean that others don’t have a part to play or that they can not get themselves in there because they can. We, as staff, have to make decisions. What they (the players) have to do is make them hard for us or make sure that they’re ready to make a different when called upon.”

Che Adams has been told to be ready for first team actionChe Adams has been told to be ready for first team action
Che Adams has been told to be ready for first team action

United, seventh in the League One table ahead of Saturday’s game against Swindon Town, have taken steps to ensure those players who did not feature at Colchester last weekend remain in shape. Defender Bob Harris is thought to have accelerated his rehabilitation from injury after resuming light training recently.

“It’s all about the group,” Adkins said. “If you don’t have that mentality, then you don’t achieve. Simple.

“If someone comes in then they have to be ready because otherwise, if not, then it weakens the group. The same goes during training too but fortunately all the lads here have shown excellent attitudes.”