Chris Wilder reveals how Richairo Zivkovic and Panos Retsos have already contributed for Sheffield United - without making their debuts

Chris Wilder insists Sheffield United's new signings are 'pushing' for debuts despite not yet making their debuts for the Blades.
Panos Retsos is introduced to the media after joining Sheffield United on loan from Bayer Leverkusen: Simon Bellis/SportimagePanos Retsos is introduced to the media after joining Sheffield United on loan from Bayer Leverkusen: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Panos Retsos is introduced to the media after joining Sheffield United on loan from Bayer Leverkusen: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Richairo Zivkovic and Panos Retsos have yet to feature for the Blades, although the Greek international Retsos was on the bench for United's games against Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Zivkovic, who has signed a loan deal at United until the end of the season from Changchun Yatai, underwent a training programme on United's mid-season trip to Dubai and both could make their Blades debuts next week in the FA Cup when Wilder's men travel to Reading.

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Sander Berge, who signed for United a day before the pair, has started all three of United's games since.

"They're both pushing," Wilder said, of Retsos and Zivkovic.

"We had a behind-closed-doors game against Lincoln last week and both played. They've both had an interesting introduction to life in Sheffield!

"There were a few stories from when they went away to Dubai and then got back to work in the wind and rain of Shirecliffe.

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"But they got on with it and have adapted well to the club. All the new boys have integrated well and they're pushing.

"Panos is pushing, Richairo is pushing. They all are.

"Luke Freeman, Jack Robinson, Jack Rodwell.

"They all help to make this a really competitive group."

United will assess wing-back Enda Stevens after he came off at half-time against Brighton with a tight calf. Stevens had earlier smashed the Blades ahead with a superb strike.

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