Neil Warnock admits he is reluctant to put 'undue pressure' on Luton Shelton as Sheffield United battle to avoid relegation.
The Blades have slipped into the bottom three in the Premiership and goals have been scarce in recent weeks.
Shelton was a £1.85million signing from Helsingborg in January, but the Jamaican striker has just one substitute outing to his name since joining The Blades.
But he could start Saturday's crunch clash with West Ham United, with Rob Hulse injured, and Danny Webber and Christian Nade doubtful.
Warnock has no fears about Shelton's talent, but is wary about demanding too much from the forward.
"I don't want to start with Danny and if Christian isn't fit I might have to go with Luton," Warnock told The Daily Mail.
"I don't want to rush him and damage him.
"If you look at foreign players - even people like Didier Drogba in his first season at Chelsea - it can take them 12 months to adjust after coming to England.
"It's such a crucial game on Saturday and I don't want to put undue pressure on Luton.
"It's a difficult one, but I have no doubts about his ability."
The Blades have slipped into the bottom three in the Premiership and goals have been scarce in recent weeks.
Shelton was a £1.85million signing from Helsingborg in January, but the Jamaican striker has just one substitute outing to his name since joining The Blades.
But he could start Saturday's crunch clash with West Ham United, with Rob Hulse injured, and Danny Webber and Christian Nade doubtful.
Warnock has no fears about Shelton's talent, but is wary about demanding too much from the forward.
"I don't want to start with Danny and if Christian isn't fit I might have to go with Luton," Warnock told The Daily Mail.
"I don't want to rush him and damage him.
"If you look at foreign players - even people like Didier Drogba in his first season at Chelsea - it can take them 12 months to adjust after coming to England.
"It's such a crucial game on Saturday and I don't want to put undue pressure on Luton.
"It's a difficult one, but I have no doubts about his ability."
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