'Huge' - Chris Wilder makes Romelle Donovan vow after eye-catching Sheffield United display
Romelle Donovan made his mark in Sheffield United’s 1-0 win over Wrexham on Friday night.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has said that Romelle Donovan has “a huge part to play” this season following the winger’s eye-catching performance in Friday night’s 1-0 win over Wrexham at Bramall Lane.
The Brentford loanee made his first Championship start in more than seven weeks against the Red Dragons and was impressive throughout, bringing pace and creativity to United’s attacking play.
Deployed on the left flank after Ben Brereton Díaz, who scored the game’s only goal, was selected to lead the line in the absence of Patrick Bamford, Donovan delivered nine crosses into the penalty area before being withdrawn to a standing ovation with 86 minutes on the clock.
United supporters had been urging Wilder to unleash Donovan from the start in recent weeks, believing his pace and technical ability would provide the Blades with an injection of energy and excitement in the final third.
Having explained in recent weeks that he cannot accommodate all of his wingers in the same system, Wilder admitted following the win over Wrexham that there had been “reasons” behind the former Birmingham City man having to bide his time. However, he backed Donovan to play his part in the Blades’ remaining 33 Championship games this season.
Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield: “I don't know if anybody realised it, [but] I signed him! I know what he can do, and there are reasons.
“He's not here for 12 or 13 games; he's here for 46 games, and we've got another 33 games to go.
“The team had got two positive results at Bristol City and at home to Lincoln, so I've got to respect those players that got those results as well. I was delighted with his contribution at Bristol City and especially against Derby. He's got a huge part to play, as they all have.
“He was really positive. That's his game: getting at people. We've obviously flipped him over and put him down that side as well. He was outstanding and, as I said, there was a lot of work that went into getting Rom, and he's here all season.
“I'm going to enjoy working with him, and the players are going to enjoy working with him. He's got both sides to his game, and hopefully he can be a good player for us this season.”