Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder makes Jordan Ayew admission pre-Bristol City
Wilder reveals how close United fans are to seeing more of Jordan Ayew
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has said that Jordan Ayew is ‘close’ to being more involved ahead of Saturday’s Bristol City clash.
Ayew signed as a free agent in September upon the expiry of his contract with relegated side Leicester City.
The Blades were left with a minimal budget in the summer amid ongoing financial issues, which forced them into the loan and free agent market to bolster Wilder’s squad.
The forward had captained Ghana in the World Cup this summer, playing in every match until they were knocked out by Colombia in the round of 32, suffering a 1-0 defeat.
The 35-year-old has played a total of 70 minutes for United this season across three substitute appearances.
Speaking to The Star, Wilder said, “He's close now. He's in our thoughts. I think if we were up in the game yesterday, it would have been maybe Jordan coming onto the pitch.
”When you're chasing a game, and there's a lot of grass in behind, then maybe Tyrese (Campbell) was that player for us.”
“That's the reason that Jordan didn't go on the pitch,” he continued. “He's been close, and he'll definitely be an option.”
“[Ayew has] not just impressed me; he's impressed all the coaches and players. He's a top player, and he's got something to offer us. As I said, it was a difficult situation on transfer deadline day that we dealt with, and Jordan was the best option.”
The Blades’ boss hinted that the starting eleven against Bristol City will look different to the side that faced Portsmouth on Wednesday night.
United face a severe crisis at right-back following Hamza Choudhury’s red card against Portsmouth, which rules him out through suspension.
“I definitely think that, especially after what happened on Wednesday night, there will be changes,” he said.
“I always look at a three-game week, especially when the midweek game is on a Wednesday. I think there are more changes to be made in the last game than the game in the middle.”
Wilder named an unchanged line-up to face Portsmouth after securing a 3-0 victory against Lincoln, just four days prior.