The secret of Sheffield United goalkeeper's success

Dean Henderson is reaping the benefits of his determination to play as much first team football as possible at the beginning of his career rather than kick his heels on the bench, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder believes, as the on-loan goalkeeper closes in on a first senior England cap.
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Henderson is expected to be named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for this month’s friendlies against Italy and Denmark, with Wilder predicting he will feature in at least one of those games following last weekend’s win over Reading.

The 22-year-old, whose parent club Manchester United are one of United’s major rivals for a place in Europe next term, has yet to make an appearance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side despite entering their academy aged 14.

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After completing placements with Stockport County, Grimsby and Shrewsbury Town before arriving at Bramall Lane, Henderson has now amassed 140 professional appearances ahead of Saturday’s visit to Newcastle.

Wilder said: “It says a lot about him, going out, learning the hostile business of pro football and what it brings. Whether that be in the early days and into the Championship with us or the Premier League.

“He’s edgy and and I think we need to have that edge about us, myself and the players.

“But I don’t mind that because he wants to drive his career forward. And that’s only a good thing as far as I’m concerned, it’s what you want to see.”