Sheffield United: Caolan Lavery says he is ready to be let off the leash at Chesterfield

Sheffield United centre-forward Caolan Lavery says he is firing on all cylinders ahead of Sunday's derby against Chesterfield.
Caolan Lavery is feeling fit and sharp. Pic Simon Bellis/SportimageCaolan Lavery is feeling fit and sharp. Pic Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Caolan Lavery is feeling fit and sharp. Pic Simon Bellis/Sportimage

The former Northern Ireland under-21 international made his full debut for Chris Wilder’s team, three months after arriving from arch-rivals Sheffield Wednesday, during the Checkatrade Trophy tie with Grimsby earlier this week.

Lavery, who enjoyed a brief spell on loan at the Proact Stadium before leaving Hillsborough, is now eager to make up for lost time.

“I’m feeling fitter, sharper and I’m ready to go now,” Lavery said. “It was great to get my first start for the club so hopefully I can get my first goal this weekend. I enjoyed myself there, at Chesterfield, but there’s no room for sentiment in this business. I just want to do whatever it takes to ensure we do well.”

With Matt Done and Leon Clarke making their returns from injury at Blundell Park, Wilder has a full compliment of strikers available for the visit to Danny Wilson’s side.

Billy Sharp, the United captain, heads to north Derbyshire having scored five goals in his last three matches and with Clarke on target during the Northern Group H dead-rubber, Lavery added: “The competition for places here is really high. You’ve got to be right at the top of your game if you want to get in.

“Obviously that’s what I aim to do but of course it’s going to be tough. And nobody here would want it any other way. There’s good options.”

Caolan Lavery has been forced to wait for his first start. Pic Simon Bellis/SportimageCaolan Lavery has been forced to wait for his first start. Pic Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Caolan Lavery has been forced to wait for his first start. Pic Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Lavery, who damaged an ankle ligament soon after joining United, backed Wilder’s decision to ease him back into action.

“I’ve been looked after really well,” he said. “They know the right things to do and what’s best.”