Sheffield United won out against Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon in under-21s action, with Louie Marsh getting the only goal of the game.
Marsh headed in from a pinpoint John Fleck cross to settle the game and nab his 16th goal of the season at youth level. The 18-year-old is seen as one of the brightest prospects at Shirecliffe right now and has even been on the bench this season for the Blades first-team.
Of course, United used the clash with the Owls to get some minutes into some other first-team regulars.
Ismaila Coulibaly, Oliver Arblaster, Ciaran Clark and John Fleck all got much-needed minutes in the tank ahead of a crucial clash with Watford this weekend.
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However, it was Marsh who once again impressed. And with the forward line at first-team level struggling right now, he might have sent a message to Paul Heckingbottom.
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Heckingbottom has been reluctant to thrown young players in if he deems they aren’t quite ready. But on the back of two tough losses and the fact the goals aren’t coming from the likes of Ndiaye and Jebbison, Marsh’s performances might be giving the Blades boss food for thought.
Marsh has already impressed in training. In one of the recent Behind the Blades clips on YouTube, Marsh scored a hatful in a small sided game and won plenty of praise from the coaching staff.
Further, the fact he’s been in and around the first-team on matchday shows Hecky likes him.
Of course, there is a big jump from 21s football to the first-team. But with Billy Sharp injured, and Rhian Brewster and Will Osula still not close, Marsh might well get another chance in the coming weeks.
After all, would it really hurt to give a fresh face with something to prove his chance?
