Adkins in challenge to Blades

Nigel Adkins has offered a glimpse into his Sheffield United selection policy, telling the players currently in his starting eleven: The shirt is yours to lose.
Nigel AdkinsNigel Adkins
Nigel Adkins

Adkins, whose side travel to Scunthorpe United this afternoon, has struggled to field a consistent side since taking over at Bramall Lane, with injuries and suspensions wreaking havoc amongst his squad.

But with the likes of John Brayford and Ryan Flynn nearing full match fitness, Adkins’ options are increasing and he said: “With regards to selection, the way we’re doing it is ‘You’ve got the shirt so show you should stay in the team.’

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“We want a consistency. The Christmas period, we have a big run of games close together. It’s a challenge for us and also all of the division’s other teams.

“We want everyone to be pushing and to be a part of it.

“You could see that in last week’s performance, that desire to be involved and a physical assertiveness which was great.

“You need that. We’ll be playing some teams who are very big, set-pieces will be important so the physicality is key.”

United’s televised victory over Coventry City last weekend was their first in League One for almost two months. They travel to Glanford Park nine points off automatic promotion.

Blades: P58