Sheffield United: Harry Chapman could play at Swindon, Blades number two reveals

Harry Chapman could feature against Swindon Town next week. Pic Jamie Tyerman/SportimageHarry Chapman could feature against Swindon Town next week. Pic Jamie Tyerman/Sportimage
Harry Chapman could feature against Swindon Town next week. Pic Jamie Tyerman/Sportimage
Sheffield United midfielder Harry Chapman could make his long-awaited return to action at Swindon Town next week.

The England under-20 international, on loan from Middlesbrough, has not played since December after damaging an ankle during a freak training ground accident.

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But, having suffered no ill-effects following Monday’s run-out for United’s under-23’s, assistant manager Alan Knill last night confirmed Chapman is being considered for selection at the County Ground.

“Obviously he gives us something different, he’s very talented and takes people out of the game because he’s a very good runner with the ball,” Knill said. “He’s worked hard up there, is back quicker than we expected and, I’ve got to say, he looks very lean.

“He played for an hour in the under-23’s game and everybody told us he looked really good. He needed that game to come back into contention.”

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Although Chris Wilder and Knill missed Chapman’s appearance at Bramall Lane - United’s first team squad faced Oxford the following night - the League One leaders’ manager has been impressed by the youngster’s determination to force himself back into his starting eleven.

United moved eight points clear at the top of the table and eleven ahead of third-placed Scunthorpe after triumphing 3-2 at the Kassam Stadium.

“The plan was that he played 60 minutes and then is back in with us,” Knill said. “It’s a big opportunity for him, with us being top of the league, and a real bonus for us as well.”