Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has suggested that Billy Sharp could be available for tonight’s game against Nottingham Forest.
According to the Sheffield Star, the ex-Forest loanee could be available for the Blades as they travel to Forest with a one-goal deficit to overturn.
Sharp loves scoring against Forest. During his career he’s scored no fewer than seven times against the Reds; including during a 1-1 draw back in March.
The 36-year-old has scored 15 times this season and registered seven assists, with his importance to the team clearly massive.
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He wasn’t involved at the weekend as Forest won 2-1 at Bramall Lane thanks to goals from Jack Colback and Brennan Johnson.
Heckingbottom has dropped a big hint, however, that Sharp could now be available to face Forest at the City Ground.
He told the Sheffield Star: “There’s only Bill who has a chance of being available and featuring in the play-offs. The rest of the boys, we know they are out.
“We’d like to think he might be ready. If he’s ready and the medical people tell us that he’s ready then, yes, of course, we’ll do it.”
The Reds will hope to capitalise on their slender advantage, although Sander Berge’s late goal on Saturday does perhaps change the complexion a little bit.
Heckingbottom would dearly love to have Sharp available. He’s the club’s top goalscorer this term and is an unreal option at Championship level.
Forest must be wary of Sharp comeback
The veteran will be smarting from watching his teammates get battered at the weekend. Admittedly, they got out of the game with a respectable score but that was largely down to goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
Sharp is a real leader of men in the United dressing room. He’ll be desperate to play tonight and he could strike the decisive blow for the Blades.
That said, Forest will be ready for whatever Heckingbottom throws at them. There is a defensive solidity at the club that hasn’t been in place for some time and that’s down to Steve Cooper.
The Reds are 90 minutes from Wembley and Forest would definitely feel more confident if Sharp wasn’t selected to play this evening.