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Sacrifice paying off for happy Ehiogu
UGO Ehiogu is ready to make more "sacrifices" to catapult Sheffield United into the Premier League next season.
The former England centre-half, who turns 36 next week, revealed how a gruelling fitness regime has helped prolong his career after scoring the winner against Preston North End on Saturday.
Ehiogu's second-half strike, his first in United colours, capped another commanding display from the veteran centre-half and saw Kevin Blackwell's side climb back into the play-off positions.
He said: "I've always worked hard and sacrificed things when I've had to.
"The rewards for doing that, as far as I'm concerned, are more than worthwhile.
"It's taken me a bit longer to adjust to this level, but knowing that my 36th birthday is coming up just drives me on even more.
"You learn to accept things as you get older and, yes, perhaps appreciate what you've got a little bit more.
"As long as I'm fit and feel in good shape then I'll always want to go on.
"You'll probably see me carrying on for as long as people are prepared to employ me."
Bryan Robson, Blackwell's predecessor, was heavily criticised when he signed Ehiogu during the January transfer window; just one month before leaving the club against a backdrop of terrace unrest and car-park demonstrations.
But with Matthew Kilgallon serving a three-match suspension following his sending-off against Sheffield Wednesday, Ehiogu enjoyed another opportunity to show why Robson lured him to South Yorkshire from Glasgow Rangers.
Blackwell, who could be without James Beattie (shin) and Gary Naysmith (groin) at Bristol City tomorrow, ordered United's conditioning department to devise a tailor-made fitness programme for Ehiogu and the decision has proved to be inspired.
"Ugo had started to pick up a few injuries," Blackwell said.
"But the fitness people here have looked at what he's doing and now, touch wood, he's not.
"He's now playing regularly rather than missing three or four games at a time."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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