Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder could spring a huge surprise today with young striker, Antwoine Hackford, apparently included in the squad.
The 16-year-old Hackford has been making waves in the youth ranks at Bramall Lane but has so far been well away from the first-team picture when it comes to Premier League action.
But with United short on numbers and struggling for any sort of goals, it appears that Hackford could have been given the nod for the trip down to London today.
That is according to a post doing the rounds on social media, where his brother posted to Instagram with a message suggesting Hackford is in line for some part in today’s proceedings.
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Hackford is one of a number of young Blades stars who have been impressing this season at youth level.
The likes of Zak Brunt and Hassan Ayari are two others said to be catching the eye at Shirecliffe.
However, Hackford’s inclusion is something of a surprise given Chris Wilder stated just last week that he hadn’t thrown any youngsters in just yet as he didn’t see it as a necessity and nobody was directly knocking down the door.
Nothing to lose, a great moment for Hackford
It’s highly unlikely that Hackford will get any sort of minutes but having him around the first XI and learning his trade cannot hurt anyone.
Not many 16-year-olds get the chance to be in a Premier League matchday squad so, if this is true, it’s a huge moment for the teenager.
It’s also unlikely his brother would post such a comment withoutn there being any substance to it and to be honest, with how things are going, it won’t do any harm even if Wilder does throw Hackford on at some point during the game.
You never know, he might just give some of the experienced boys around the place a lift.
