Sheffield United: Manager admits frustrations over striker but reveals he is set to return

James Wilson could be set to bolster Sheffield United's attacking options during the closing stages of the Championship season after returning to training following injury.
James Wilson has been frustrated by his fitness issues since joining Sheffield United on loan.James Wilson has been frustrated by his fitness issues since joining Sheffield United on loan.
James Wilson has been frustrated by his fitness issues since joining Sheffield United on loan.

The centre-forward, on loan from Manchester United, has seen his progress hampered by a series of fitness issues since arriving at Bramall Lane during the January transfer window.

Although Chris Wilder admitted Wilson’s appearance record has been a frustration for all parties concerned - his last start came against Burton Albion over three weeks ago - the United manager defended the decision to sign Wilson from the Premier League club.

“It’s been stop start for him and for us,” Wilder acknowledged. “He cricked his neck, did his ankle and then had a couple of other things. It’s frustrating. I’m not going to sign someone who isn’t fully fit. He played consistent games for their under-23’s. They wouldn’t have let him out either, if he wasn’t ready, because he’s an asset to them. “

Wilson scored on his full debut for United when they triumphed 2-1 at Norwich City three months ago.

Wilder, whose side could climb back into the play-off positions if they beat Barnsley tomorrow, added: “After his goal, if he’d have got another one in the next against (Aston) Villa, he’d have been really up and running. And as we know he was really close.

“Then Billy (Sharp) came back, he had Clayton (Donaldson) breathing down his neck and so on. But he’s been training for the last three or four days. Hopefully Willo will have a part to play over the last six games and hopefully a few more after that.”