Sheffield United's players aren't shirking chance to play at Bramall Lane in front of fans again, says boss Paul Heckingbottom

Sheffield United have no intention of letting their miserable season end with a whimper, boss Paul Heckingbottom has insisted, after revealing that his players all want to play against Burnley at Bramall Lane on Sunday.
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Wing-back George Baldock joined the ranks of United’s walking wounded in midweek, when he missed the trip to Newcastle with a hamstring injury, and Femi Seriki became the latest youngster from United’s title-winning academy to make his senior debut when he replaced Jayden Bogle in the closing stages of the defeat at St. James’ Park.

And Heckingbottom - who does not expect any of his long-term injury victims to return for the Burnley game, meaning that United fans may have seen the last of Sander Berge in a Blades shirt – said: “We’ve been resting up and preparing bodies so tomorrow [Saturday] will be the day I’m looking at everyone and seeing who’s available.

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“We’ve had two physical games in a week, and we kept more or less the same team. So we’ll see how everyone is tomorrow.

“If there are any issues they won’t be risked, but the lads want to play. If they’re medically fit, I’ll pick from them.

“No-one is shirking it, they all want to play the last game of the season. I’d welcome anyone back at the minute as we have a big injury list.”

Sunday’s game will be the first played at Bramall Lane in front of supporters since last March, when United beat Norwich 1-0 to continue their march for a place in Europe.

George Baldock missed the game at Newcastle: Darren Staples/ SportimageGeorge Baldock missed the game at Newcastle: Darren Staples/ Sportimage
George Baldock missed the game at Newcastle: Darren Staples/ Sportimage

"Sorely missed" - Paul Heckingbottom pays tribute to Len Badger after Sheffield United legend's sad passing

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Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Blades fans have been locked out of the Lane and forced to watch on television as their side slid towards relegation, which was confirmed earlier this season after defeat at Wolves – who today announced that their manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, will leave after this weekend.

Wolves’ executive chairman Jeff Shi said: “Sunday was already going to be a very special day, welcoming our supporters back for the first time in more than a year; but it will also now be a fitting goodbye for someone who will forever remain an important part of Wolves history.”

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