Sheffield United have various players out on loan this season who have hopes to progress into the first team this summer.
The Blades sit sixth in the Premier League table, so it’s going to be tough for these hopefuls to break into Chris Wilder’s side on track for European football.
United have few players they are keeping around and giving a chance to gain experience to play professional football at the highest level.
We take a look at how some of the loaned out Blades players are performing this season…
Ben Heneghan
The 26-year old defender is on loan to League One side Blackpool.
Heneghan had expected to return to Sheffield United in January, but extended his loan until the end of the season after Blackpool manager, Simon Grayson, expressed being keen to keep hold of him for longer.
In 24 games, Heneghan has found the back of the net twice but is unlikely to sign another contract for United when it expires this summer due to already being unable to break into Wilder’s side.
Nathan Thomas
Thomas has already scored three goals this year for League Two side Carlisle and nine altogether this season.
The 25-year-old winger signed for the Blades in 2017, but has only made three appearances for the club.
Thomas scored an impressive hat-trick away against Forest Green earlier this year.
Rhys Norrington-Davies
The left-back is currently on a season long loan at Rochdale AFC.
The 20-year old defender has made 26 appearances this season, bagging a goal and two assists.
The young player was called up for the Wales U21 squad, which was a major achievement so far in his career.
Rochdale fans have been impressed by Norrington-Davies and could have a promising future at United if he continues in good form for the remainder of the season.
Oliver Greaves
Greaves was sent out on a season long loan spell at Barrow AFC, but returned to Sheffield U23’s last month due to becoming frustrated at a lack of game time.
Barrow manager, Ian Evatt, said about the 20-year old: “He’s a fantastic lad, he’s got a load of talent, but we just needed to see that passion and desire to work hard day in day out, have the right standards and work your way into the team.”
Evatt added that Greaves “didn’t quite have the right work ethic” at the start of the season and the young midfielder will continue to develop with the U23s.
Regan Slater
The 20-year old Sheffield born midfielder launched his loan spell at Scunthorpe strong, quickly impressing fans with a superb solo goal in a 2-0 friendly victory over Lincoln City.
In November 2016, he made his debut for Sheffield United against Grimsby Town, scoring in a 4-2 victory and becoming the youngest player to achieve this.
Slater has shown determination and an ambitious work ethic during his recovery from an ankle injury and will return to Scunthorpe to finish the season sooner than expected.
The U23 player will undoubtedly have a bright future and would be a favourable addition to Wilder’s side.
