Blades striker, Tyler Smith, is currently out on loan with Bristol Rovers down in League One.
Sheffield United striker Tyler Smith is doing well at Bristol Rovers (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The 20-year-old moved away from Bramall Lane in the summer. Following United’s promotion, it was obvious chances in the first-team would be at a premium.
Smith, like many young players do, has opted to drop down a few levels for regular football. And he is getting that Bristol Rovers. The youngster starting nine times this season for the Pirates.
Blades manager, Chris Wilder, is clearly a fan of Smith. Indeed, Wilder selected Smith in the squad in the squad to face West Brom last season as the injuries mounted up at Bramall Lane.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Despite not seeing any action for United as yet, the fact Wilder was willing to include him was a big nod to his ability.
Chris Wilder is well aware of Tyler Smith’s abilities (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The story this season
Smith started the season on fire with Rovers. A goal against Tranmere Rovers early on was backed up by a well-taken double in the League Cup against Cheltenham. However, since then, only one more goal as has followed. Smith hit the net in a 1-1 home draw with Gillingham.
While it’s not the end of the world for a young striker, Smith will have been hoping for a bit more given the start he made.
His regular place in the starting XI has come under threat, too. He’s started two of the last four games, but was withdrawn at the weekend with more than half an hour to go. He only saw nine minutes of action the week prior at Rochdale as well.
More to come?
His spell with Rovers is by no means a disaster. In fact, he is getting what United will have wanted when they agreed to the loan spell.
First-team football and being around that environment on a weekly basis is a solid grounding. At just 20, he’s plenty of time to kick on and develop aspects of his game.
As a striker, he has all the tools. Quick, strong, and a good finisher when confidence is high, there’s a good chance Smith could well have an impact at United in the future.
He’ll be desperate, however, to get a few more goals between now and the end of the season. Only then, will Tyler Smith really be attracting the attention of Chris Wilder and his coaching team.
