Sheffield United: The decision that could have saved Billy Sharp's season

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Billy Sharp, Sheffield United’s captain and leading goalscorer, could have saved his season by signalling he needed to be substituted during the win over Barnsley.
Read More
Sheffield United v Barnsley: Boss feeling "anxious" as Billy Sharp suffers a ham...

That is the verdict of Paul Heckingbottom, who confirmed the 36-year-old asked to be replaced only seconds after realising he had injured a hamstring.

With eight members of his first team squad missing the game against Poya Asbaghi’s side through injury, three of whom have been ruled-out for the remainder of the season, Heckingbottom can ill afford to lose another key performer as United chase play-off qualification.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sharp is scheduled to undergo a scan later this week, although Heckingbottom is hopeful the centre-forward’s quick-thinking prevented him from suffering any serious damage.

“Billy let us know straight away what had happened,” he told The Star. “He waved as soon as he felt something there.

“He’s experienced enough to know his own body. He’s also experienced enough to realise what could have happened if he’d tried to carry on. So that’s something to be positive about. Although, sitting here right now, yes, I’m concerned.”

Sharp pulled up midway through the second-half, after Sander Berge had given United the lead. Morgan Gibbs-White later ended the visitors’ spirited resistance, with both Asbaghi and Heckingbottom, who led Barnsley to promotion at the start of his coaching career, predicting they can avoid relegation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Billy Sharp walks off injured duing Sheffield United's win over Barnsley: Darren Staples / SportimageBilly Sharp walks off injured duing Sheffield United's win over Barnsley: Darren Staples / Sportimage
Billy Sharp walks off injured duing Sheffield United's win over Barnsley: Darren Staples / Sportimage