Why Rhys Norrington-Davies started for Sheffield United vs Norwich City as Chris Wilder gives verdict
Rhys Norrington-Davies made his first Championship start in Sheffield United colours in more than 12 months against Norwich City.
Manager Chris Wilder suggested that Sheffield United’s relentless schedule was the reason behind his decision to hand Rhys Norrington-Davies his first Championship start of the season in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Norwich City.
Norrington-Davies, who spent last season on loan at QPR, replaced Sam McCallum at left-back to make his first league start for the Blades since the opening day of last season.
He was one of two changes to the backline from the midweek win over Bolton Wanderers, with deadline day signing Liam Kitching also drafted into the starting line-up to make his United debut. The Coventry City loanee replaced Mark McGuinness, who dropped to the bench.
United are currently without Harrison Burrows, who has missed each of their last four league and cup matches. That left Wilder with little choice but to hand Norrington-Davies a starting role and give McCallum a much-needed breather.
McCallum was introduced after 58 minutes against his former club, replacing Norrington-Davies. With another midweek fixture coming up on Tuesday evening, Wilder is having to carefully manage his squad, with the demanding schedule forcing him to rotate his side. Nevertheless, the Blades boss was pleased with the Welshman’s display, particularly after he found himself coming up against former United player Andre Brooks.
Explaining why Norrington-Davies got the nod ahead of McCallum, Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield: “That’s how it is. Sam played at Cardiff, and he played on Tuesday night, so that’s the hand that I’m dealt with at the moment, and we’ve just got to get through it.
“Rhys has been good when he’s come on the pitch. I thought he, especially in the first half, wrapped Brooksy up. The game opened up, so Brooksy had a little bit more space in the second half, but they’ve got dangerous wingers, and obviously that’s an area of the pitch that they excelled in.
“We’re chasing the game, so we have to take gambles and take risks, but the third goal absolutely puts us to bed. If it’s 2–1 and we open it up, we understand that Brooksy might get something on the counter-attack and that the other guy on the other side might get something on the counter-attack.
“But I’ve got to say, I thought Rhys did okay today for one of his first games back.”