Sheffield United’s Ben Osborn sends message to children's hospital

In a video posted online, the 25-year-old, who signed for the Blades from Nottingham Forest last summer, said: “On behalf of all the players and staff at the Blades, I want to say hello to everyone at the Children’s Hospital in Sheffield.

“I know these can be testing times with everything that’s going on, but it's important that we try and keep the spirits high, we stay safe and we look after our loved ones.”

The Derby-born former England youth international also joked that he has grown his facial hair during the lockdown to “annoy” his girlfriend.

He said he did not know when he will return to playing football.

Osborn continued: “I’m looking forward to getting back to playing football, not sure when that will be.

“But, until then, to everyone at the Children’s Hospital: stay safe and keep well.”

The hospital tweeted their thanks to Osborn for his support and said they had received “so many lovely messages for our staff”.

Since signing for Chris Wilder’s side, Osborn has made 12 appearances in all competitions.

Sheffield United are understood to be reviewing proposals to place staff on furlough with no matchday income on the horizon. Richard Masters, the newly appointed chairman of the Premier League, has also warned some top-flight clubs face the “very real threat” of going bust.