Blades youngster Kler Heh set for debut after earning Scotland loan move

Sheffield United youngster Kler Heh earned a loan move to the Scottish Championship after a series of impressive displays for United's U21s, Dumbarton manager Stevie Aitken has revealed.
Kler HehKler Heh
Kler Heh

Heh, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder, joined Aitken’s Sons on loan earlier this week.

Subject to an early-morning pitch inspection, the teenager could make his professional debut when Livingston visit the CID Stadium this afternoon if international clearance is received in time.

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And Aitken said: “Our scout Stuart Millar has been busy and Kler is a player that we identified to come along.

“The arrangement suits both parties and I’m happy to have an addition to our squad.”

Heh made history last year when he was awarded a professional deal at United.

Born in a Thai refugee camp in October 1996, he spent the first ten years of his life there after his family of Karen refugees faced oppression in their homeland of Burma.

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His break came at the age of ten, when a group of Karen refugees were moved to Sheffield as part of the United Nations Gateway Protection Programme.

“The camp was like a prison,” Heh remembers.

“It seemed like there were no opportunities, no way out. But I played football every day, in bare feet, before we were resettled in England.”

Heh carried on playing football under the guidance of anti-racism charity FURD [Football Unites, Racism Divides] before coach Luis Silva recommended him to United, who signed him at the age of 14.

He impressed on loan at Stocksbridge Park Steels and signed a professional deal in March.

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“Trying to progress through the academy ranks is a tough challenge on its own,” said United’s academy manager Nick Cox.

“Kler has done this at the same time as having to learn a new language and adapt to an unfamiliar culture.

“It has been an incredible achievement to be awarded with a professional contract at the club.”