'Hopefully' - Tahith Chong shares Sheffield United wish after scoring first Blades goal
Tahith Chong scored his first goal for Sheffield United in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Lincoln City at Bramall Lane.
Tahith Chong has admitted that he hopes he has overcome his injury troubles after scoring his first Sheffield United goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Lincoln City at Bramall Lane.
Chong marked his first Championship start of the season by scoring the Blades’ second goal, helping them secure a much-needed victory and record their biggest league win since last December. After being played through by Joe Rothwell, the Curaçao international doubled United’s advantage with a finish from a tight angle that went in off the post.
The former Manchester United and Luton Town man has struggled with injuries so far this season, being restricted to just three appearances before the international break. However, he store some valuable minutes under his belt during the break, featuring three times for Curaçao. As a result, he returned to Bramall Lane in good condition.
Having impressed manager Chris Wilder enough to earn his first start since the 3-0 victory over Mansfield Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup in August, Chong is determined to repay the Blades boss and his coaching staff for their faith in him by continuing to make positive contributions on the pitch.
Asked how it felt to be included in the starting line-up, Chong told United’s YouTube channel: “Good. I mean, you see the gaffer has been overconfident about me and it's all about me going out and kind of performing.
“I really want to kind of repay the trust that the staff and the gaffer has been putting in. So, I have just been working hard.
“It’s been difficult with injuries as well, which have not helped, but hopefully this, obviously, is the start of just being injury-free and being able to help the team.”
Although the former Birmingham City man was delighted to get on the scoresheet for the first time in United colours, Chong wanted to ensure Rothwell got the credit for producing a brilliant assist.
“I'm always happy to kind of help the team, but I think the credit for the goal actually goes to Joe,” Chong added. “Joe obviously finds a beautiful pass to me, which makes it easy for me to put it in the back of the net.”