Sheffield United have a bit of an injury crisis on their hands heading into the Blackburn Rovers game but it could open the door for young full-back, Femi Seriki, to get a first-team opportunity.
Seriki has returned from a loan spell with Beerschot this season. It was a loan spell which was nothing short of a disaster for both United and Seriki. Indeed, Paul Heckingbottom spoke only last week about the disappointment of Seriki’s loan over in Belgium.
“Femi, it definitely wasn’t a successful loan. In my eyes and in Femi’s eyes. He didn’t play and he’s missed a lot of development, which is a big sense of frustration for me because that’s what it’s all about – development and actually playing. He’s effectively missed six months of that and maybe also suffered a little dent in confidence,” Heckingbottom told the Sheffield Star.
However, with Jayden Bogle ruled out for the season and Chris Basham and George Baldock both struggling to be fit to face Blackburn, the door might be open for Seriki to make the step in.
Femi Seriki To Get Sheffield United Chance
The teenager is clearly a player Heckingbottom likes. He threw him in during the Premier League towards the back end of last season in a show of faith towards the youngster. Since then, as we know, the loan at Beerschot has shunted Seriki.
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But speaking yesterday, Heckingbottom admitted he won’t hesitate to put Seriki in tomorrow if circumstances dictate.
“One hundred percent. These lads, Femi included, will never get a better opportunity because they know I will put them in if they are good enough. I will not hesitate to put them in if they show that,” Heckingbottom told The Star.
Certainly, you feel Sheffield United fans wouldn’t be averse to the idea of seeing Seriki – who Darren Currie said was ‘outstanding’ – play. A big game, under the Bramall Lane lights, against a promotion rival. There really couldn’t be a better stage for the academy prospect to thrive.