DAVID Carney, Sheffield United's Olympic hopeful, can use the Games to relaunch his Championship career, Kevin Blackwell has predicted.
The United manager appeared to have called time on Carney's year-long association with Bramall Lane last week when he described the Australian's involvement as an opportunity to put himself "in the shop window" after a disappointing debut season with the South Yorkshire club.
But with Blackwell still undecided about the best long-term solution to United's problematic left flank, he has challenged Carney to prove he has the qualities required to become a first-team regular by delivering a series of commanding performances for the Olyroos.
The former Sydney FC midfielder's presence in China means he could miss the opening four matches of the new campaign which begins at Birmingham City on Saturday.
Having made just six appearances since Blackwell's appointment in February, Carney has slipped behind Stephen Quinn and Keith Gillespie in the pecking order while United's pursuit of Lee Martin, who is also interesting Alex McLeish's side, threatens to complicate the situation still further.
But Blackwell appears to have left the door open for Carney by revealing they had a heart to heart meeting before the player travelled to the Far East.
"I've told David what I want to see," Blackwell said. "He knows what I want to see him do.
"It's a good chance for him to play against some top footballers and on a very big stage."
Carney, whose tournament begins with a game against Serbia on Thursday, is also expected to face Argentina and the Ivory Coast after being named as an over-aged player in Graham Arnold's squad.
"David has settled in well and done all of the sessions," said Arnold. "He's one who I know can definitely handle the heat."
Blackwell could field several of his senior pros in tonight's friendly at Matlock Town (kick-off 7.45pm) despite the risk of losing them for the trip to St Andrews.
"Some of the lads haven't played much over the course of the last season and could benefit from getting more minutes under their belts," he said."
Meanwhile, Sheffield United's Championship derby rivals, Doncaster Rovers, have signed midfielder James Chambers from Leicester City.
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MOREHall of Fame call for city legend Vaughan: Click here to read storyGreat captain has brought credit to city: READ MARTIN SMITH ON MICHAEL VAUGHAN Olympic victory should be ultimate honour: READ JAMES SHIELD'S COLUMNFootball headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 450 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
