Sheffield United and Man City midfielder praises rival's 'amazing' support

Tommy Doyle, the Sheffield United midfielder on loan from Manchester City, believes the fact that Oliver Norwood has emerged as one of his main sources of advice behind the scenes speaks volumes about the camaraderie which exists among Paul Heckingbottom’s squad as it chases automatic promotion from the Championship.
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Despite being in direct competition for a starting role, Doyle has revealed how Norwood regularly encourages him during training sessions and before the games themselves - describing the former Northern Ireland international’s mentoring as invaluable.

Currently on duty with England under-21’s, Doyle started United’s last two matches ahead of Norwood; scoring a spectacular winning goal during the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Blackburn Rovers earlier this month.

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“Ollie has been brilliant with me,” Doyle said. “He always gets around me before the game and in training. He texts me and just makes sure I’m always ready and focused. Getting that from someone like him, who has played loads and loads of games, it’s really nice.”

Confirming he is probably most comfortable in the holding role which Norwood threatened to make his own at the beginning of the campaign, Doyle added: “I’m used to it. I grew up playing in that position so it’s not something I’m not used to doing. There’s a few little tweaks the manager wants from me defensively. But just getting on the ball I think suits my game and I’m always trying to play forward.”

Doyle and James McAtee, who is also on loan from the reigning Premier League champions, will be ineligible for selection when United face their parent club in the semi-finals at Wembley later this month. Norwood is almost certain to return for that fixture but, second in the table ahead of Saturday’s visit to Norwich City, Doyle will likely get the nod at Carrow Road.

Tommy Doyle of Sheffield United has thanked Oliver Norwood for his help: Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesTommy Doyle of Sheffield United has thanked Oliver Norwood for his help: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Tommy Doyle of Sheffield United has thanked Oliver Norwood for his help: Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Admitting McAtee and Iliman Ndiaye make it easier to operate as a pivot, Doyle said: “I've got Macca and I know where he's going to be at all times. Sometimes when he's tired he's not there but when he's firing I know where he's going to be, same with Iliman, he's going to drop off.

"When you get two players like that on the half-turn driving at defences, that's where the magic happens.”