The small but significant gesture that shows the values Sheffield United instilled in Dominic Calvert-Lewin
It did not go unnoticed with Nick Cox, either.
The former head of Sheffield United's academy, now in a similar position at Manchester United, was big on the little things. "A bit of Shireclife respect" was Cox's verdict.
If the former Blades youngster earns a first senior England cap tonight, it will be on the back of his sparkling form for Everton so far this season more than anything else.
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Hide AdBut the grounding he received as a young player in the Blades' ranks has also shaped him personally.
Building on the sterling successes of his predecessors at United's academy, including the likes of Ron Reid, Cox and Co. worked hard to instil good values into their youngsters, producing good people as well as good players.
But the odd hard knock wasn't discouraged, either.
Cox remembers going to watch Calvert-Lewin's debut, as a 17-year-old, on loan at Stalybridge Celtic from United, against Hyde United.
"It was cold, horrible and Dom froze under pressure of senior level football," Cox said.
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Hide Ad"Then just before half-time, he got a whack around his head. He was seeing double and had a big bruise around his eye.
"He was OK, but we immediately saw an issue. He was only there for a month, so if he took an opportunity to come off, he wouldn't be playing much after that.
"So Travis told Dom: 'If you half-think you can stay on, then do'.
"Don't escape a difficult scenario because things aren't going your way.
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Hide Ad"Dom stayed on, scored a scrappy goal from a yard out and scored two in the reverse fixture, which they won 7-1.
"He ended up scoring five in six games to become a bit of a Stalybridge legend."
Calvert-Lewin still has the scar under his eye to remind him of that game. Soon - whether tonight against Wales or in the coming weeks, months or years - it will be overshadowed by another cap that he will not be in a rush to remove.
Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor
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