NEIL WARNOCK has defended his decision to strengthen his squad rather than his starting eleven after Swedish legend Henrik Larsson described Luton Shelton as a star in the making.
The Sheffield United manager signed Shelton, a Jamaica international, during the January transfer window after he impressed alongside the former Barcelona and Celtic striker at Helsingborg. But Warnock has used him sparingly despite seeing the Bramall Lane club suffer an alarming slump in form.
United entertain fellow strugglers West Ham on Saturday. The Blades are 18th in the Premiership table – one point from safety and two ahead of Alan Curbishley's side – having suffered three successive defeats.
Their precarious league position has prompted criticism in some quarters that Warnock would have been better served by recruiting tried-and-tested talent. But Larsson's assessment of Shelton's potential has underlined the wisdom of paying £1.85 million for a player yet to be tested in the English game.
"I got to know Luton quite well because we were playing up front together (for Helsingborg) and he's a very good footballer," Larsson told Icons.com.
"He's incredibly quick, one of the quickest guys I've ever played with. If he gets a few chances I believe he can make a real impression.
"He's a nightmare for defences and I'll be keeping an eye on his progress."
Warnock's reticence to hand Shelton a starting role has been understandable – with just six games to secure their top-flight future United believe their interests will be better served by relying on known rather than unknown quantities.
But the former Harbour View marksman could find himself thrust into the limelight after it emerged that Christian Nade, who scored during last weekend's 2-1 home reverse by Newcastle, had sprained an ankle during Monday's training session.
Ahmed Fathi, the Egypt midfielder who was unveiled at the same time as Shelton, has been another notable absentee after making his debut against Spurs in February. Warnock also believes he will emerge as a potent force following a period of acclimatisation.
"I see Ahmed as a similar type of player to Michael Tonge," said Warnock. "And because Michael was on the bench against Newcastle I didn't want to restrict my options by having two of the same there.
"But Ahmed is going to be a quality player – make no mistake about that."
Fathi could also be recalled against West Ham if, as expected, Tonge is handed a recall.
After West Ham, the Blades go to Old Trafford next Tuesday for their rearranged game with Manchester United
The Blades reserves lost 2-0 to Liverpool at Saltergate last night, fielding a young side apart from Paul Gerrard and Li Tie. Liverpool scored through Jack Hobbs in the first half and in the last minute through trialist Reneil Sappleton.
The Sheffield United manager signed Shelton, a Jamaica international, during the January transfer window after he impressed alongside the former Barcelona and Celtic striker at Helsingborg. But Warnock has used him sparingly despite seeing the Bramall Lane club suffer an alarming slump in form.
United entertain fellow strugglers West Ham on Saturday. The Blades are 18th in the Premiership table – one point from safety and two ahead of Alan Curbishley's side – having suffered three successive defeats.
Their precarious league position has prompted criticism in some quarters that Warnock would have been better served by recruiting tried-and-tested talent. But Larsson's assessment of Shelton's potential has underlined the wisdom of paying £1.85 million for a player yet to be tested in the English game.
"I got to know Luton quite well because we were playing up front together (for Helsingborg) and he's a very good footballer," Larsson told Icons.com.
"He's incredibly quick, one of the quickest guys I've ever played with. If he gets a few chances I believe he can make a real impression.
"He's a nightmare for defences and I'll be keeping an eye on his progress."
Warnock's reticence to hand Shelton a starting role has been understandable – with just six games to secure their top-flight future United believe their interests will be better served by relying on known rather than unknown quantities.
But the former Harbour View marksman could find himself thrust into the limelight after it emerged that Christian Nade, who scored during last weekend's 2-1 home reverse by Newcastle, had sprained an ankle during Monday's training session.
Ahmed Fathi, the Egypt midfielder who was unveiled at the same time as Shelton, has been another notable absentee after making his debut against Spurs in February. Warnock also believes he will emerge as a potent force following a period of acclimatisation.
"I see Ahmed as a similar type of player to Michael Tonge," said Warnock. "And because Michael was on the bench against Newcastle I didn't want to restrict my options by having two of the same there.
"But Ahmed is going to be a quality player – make no mistake about that."
Fathi could also be recalled against West Ham if, as expected, Tonge is handed a recall.
After West Ham, the Blades go to Old Trafford next Tuesday for their rearranged game with Manchester United
The Blades reserves lost 2-0 to Liverpool at Saltergate last night, fielding a young side apart from Paul Gerrard and Li Tie. Liverpool scored through Jack Hobbs in the first half and in the last minute through trialist Reneil Sappleton.
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