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No rush for new Naughton deal
SHEFFIELD United have no immediate plans to review Kyle Naughton's contract despite watching the teenager's Bramall Lane career get off to a flying start.
Naughton, who will be making only his eighth appearance for Kevin Blackwell's side if, as expected, he is picked for Sunday's Steel City derby at Hillsborough, has blossomed on the Championship stage since making his league debut against Norwich last month.
Coaching staff at United are convinced that Naughton possesses the qualities required to become the most accomplished graduate of their Shirecliffe academy so far.
But while Blackwell has no qualms about Naughton's ability to pass arguably his most daunting challenge so far, he has dismissed suggestions that United should review his present deal to dissuade interest from other clubs.
"Kyle is contracted here for a long time," the United manager said. "We're happy with that and so is he.
"What we want, and what's best for him, is for his football to be the only thing he is focused on at present and nothing else. If he continues to do well then everything else will take care of itself."
Should Naughton continue to progress, then it seems inevitable that, at some stage, United officials will be forced to review his contractual situation.
But in the meantime Blackwell will adopt the same low key approach that enabled Phil Jagielka, Nick Mont-gomery and Michael Tonge to develop into seasoned professionals after completing United's youth programme.
Blackwell added: "Kyle's done ever so well and we want his career to progress naturally, not be forced.
"His a level headed lad and he knows that's the right way to go about things.
"Not to be talking about contracts or stuff like that."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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