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Blades starlet Naughton in big demand
KYLE Naughton's elevation to the international stage will generate more speculation regarding the Sheffield United defender's future, manager Kevin Blackwell concedes.
Naughton, who won his first England under-21 cap during last night's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic at Bramall Lane, has attracted Premier League admirers, including Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester City, since making his Blades debut in August.
United have consistently dismissed speculation that they will be forced to cash in on Naughton's talents, with Blackwell pointing to their solid financial position as proof they are no longer a selling club.
But the United manager admits that the youngster's rapid progress means he will continue to be the subject of intense media speculation.
Said Blackwell: "With every game people are becoming more and more aware of Kyle.
"And, of course, that includes people from other teams. But it doesn't bother us or Kyle.
"It's part and parcel of what we'd expect. He's played in some massive games already and he's shown terrific maturity."
Naughton made his debut for Stuart Pearce's side as a 60th minute substitute.
His next game is expected to be at The Valley on Saturday where Championship strugglers Charlton Athletic host a United side attempting to bounce back from defeat by fellow promotion hopefuls Reading.
That result saw United slip to fifth in the table with early leaders Wolves scheduled to visit Bramall Lane next week.
As well as providing another opportunity for Naughton to showcase his talents, the Czechs visit also allowed United to press their case to be included in England bid for the 2018 World Cup.
United chairman Kevin McCabe argues that Sheffield's role in developing the modern game means it deserves to be chosen ahead of rival cities such as Nottingham and Leeds which are also likely to enter the running.
Lord Triesman, the FA chairman, wrote in his programme notes: "Bramall Lane was the first major stadium in the history of football and retains its special place in the great story of football."
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
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Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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