KYLE Naughton believes the experience he acquired at Gretna last season will accelerate his metamorphosis from aspiring youngster to fully-fledged professional.
Having declared that first-team jerseys should become cherished possessions next season, Kevin Blackwell's decision to namecheck the defender during Sheffield United's preparations for the new season suggests he is poised to become one of the first beneficiaries of the manager's desire to reinvigorate the relationship between Bramall Lane and its Shirecliffe youth academy.
When Blackwell's predecessor, Bryan Robson, sanctioned Naughton's loan to Fir Park earlier this year, he inadvertently handed the teenager a starring role in a tragic soap opera which captured the headlines on both sides of the border last term.
But Naughton is adamant that his association with the now defunct SPL side has equipped him with the mental fortitude to become a permanent member of Blackwell's squad.
"My time at Gretna was invaluable," Naughton said. "I learned a lot of important lessons up there.
"Probably the most important was concentrating solely on my game and continuing to improve it.
"There was a lot going on, a lot of rumours in the papers, but I didn't want to be distracted by that.
"It wasn't an easy situation for anyone, especially those who were losing their jobs, but I became pretty focused because of it.
"Not being there permanently helped me do it, that's for sure, but it still made me realise a few things and I grew up as a result.
"When the manager here told me that I was going away on tour this summer it came as a bit of a surprise but it was definitely a welcome one.
Naughton, a bright and lively full-back who enjoys roaming forward, made his United 'debut' during last month's friendly against Ferencvaros and his performances since then, including a solid display at Bury recently, appear to have confirmed Blackwell's hunch that he has a role to play next term.
Certainly Mick Wadsworth, the coach who oversaw Naughton's development in Scotland, is adamant that a bright future lies ahead.
"One of the things that impressed me about Kyle was his maturity," Wadsworth said.
"That and his desire to learn.
"He's obviously a good young player but he was always looking to improve his skills and improve by working and speaking to others."
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 434 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
