Che Adams leads Lane revolution of youth

A day after signing for Sheffield United, he was on the bench in front of 11,000 for a pulsating South Yorkshire derby against Doncaster Rovers.

And just 15 minutes after coming off the bench for United in their semi-final against Spurs, his two goals turned the tie on its head and gave his side, briefly, a chance of reaching the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.

They say timing is everything for a striker. And Che Adams, United’s teenage sensation, appears to have it down to a fine art.

His England U20 debut ultimately ended in defeat, as England crashed 1-0 to the Czech Republic at Greenhous Meadow, Shrewsbury. But Adams, who carved out four glorious chances to mark his bow with a goal, did nothing to dent his reputation as one of the Football League’s most exciting young talents.

“All in all, we’ve been together for eight days, this is the first time that we’ve come together as a staff and some players, so I’m really pleased with the progress that we’ve made in that time,” said U20 coach Keith Downing.

“Yes, it’s tinged with a bit of disappointment to lose, no one likes losing, but over an eight-day situation I think we’ve come on well, and people have got to know each other, and we’ve gelled well.”

Adams’ ascent to stardom may have come quicker than most expected. But to some, it’s no surprise.

“Che is one of those players that comes along every so often and makes you think, ‘wow’,” says Kevin Wilson, who gave 19-year-old Adams his first-team debut at Ilkeston before his move to Bramall Lane.

“We had 45 scouts turn up to watch him at one game, before he left.

“He has a real knack of doing things that really make you stand up and take notice.

In fact, I’d say he’s capable of doing things that I haven’t seen players do for a long, long time. And, with a bit of luck, he can go all the way in the game.”